[quote author=Ryan link=topic=37805.msg1010631#msg1010631 date=1260402377]
My guess is that Arsenal will go with something similar to the side that beat Stoke 2-0 last weekend.
Think it was this:
-------------------------ALMUNIA----------------------
SAGNA------GALLAS------VERMAELEN------TRAORE
EBOUE------DENILSON----FABREGAS----NASRI
----------------ROSICKY-----ARSHAVIN----------
The front two along with Nasri, interchanged a bit, but you get the picture.
Firstly, that's anot a great Arsenal side. They'll keep the ball wonderfully well, and we'll go long spells of the game without possession, but sans Van Persie they don't have the same thrust and penetration. There's also no 'out ball' in that team. If they can't play through us, they're fucked. Now, they've still got the ability to cut us open, and may very well do. Fabregas will support Arshavin, and link well with him. Masher's gonna have to track the Spaniard all day long. They'll cause us problems no doubt about it.
As for us, well there are weaknesses there to exploit. Traore's not great, and he's not going to get the greatest of support from either of Rosicky or Nasri. I'd be surprised if Glenjo wasn't afforded the freedom to have a go down the right.
I don't particularly rate Vermaelen, and Gallas is slower than evolution. If Torres is fit, he could murder those two. Vermaelen will invariably be drawn over to support Traore as back-up, which could leave Gallas exposed to Torres, or the late-arriving Gerrard. Arsenal play pretty high-up the pitch (something they may be wary of doing should Torres play) so a few early balls wouldn't do any harm.
I don't mind us taking a few risks, so long as we're trying something inventive in their half of the pitch. I can live with us giving it away or some efforts not coming off. It only takes one chance to come off, and with Arsenal's susceptibility at the back, I think we'll score.
Still, 1-1 draw probably. Although I think Arsenal are beatable.
[/quote]
rosicky is injured once again.. maybe vela might start?