FC Twente – Second Leg plus other ramblings

By: travis | August 27th, 2008

As many of you know, today features the second leg of Champions League qualifying against those pesky Dutch, FC Twente. Led by Steve McLaren, the legendary English coach, this should not be a big deal, what with a 2-0 lead on aggregate from the first leg. However, it’s always fun to play the role of the glass half full blogger, so let’s go there. After one of Arsenal’s worst performances in my short memory, they’ll at least be in the confines of home – but with Senderos now officially on his way, who will play today? Silvestre is listed out until mid-September, so we’ll probably see a very similar lineup from the Fulham match. Even with a two goal lead, my confidence is shaken enough to think that no lead is safe with this team. Fortunately, I think that I’m overreacting quite a bit.

On the good news side of things, Cesc is now fit, although it’s probably a tossup as to whether or not he will play or not. It would make sense for him to see at least some action off the bench, to help get his legs under him; considering his legs will have to carry our entire team this season, he will need all the rest he can get, so perhaps he won’t play tonight.

Looking at it from a realistic perspective, I see little reason that we won’t go through. One reason to worry would be overconfidence. If the players come out with a lackadaisical effort because of the lead they have, things could get ugly, especially if Gallas continues to defend as well as an old sieve. And we’re all still waiting on who Arsene will buy. If anyone of course. In a recent conference, he shows either shrewd genius, or unbridled optimism:

We do not have to worry about too many other players. I believe we have the needed squad and a strong squad. I believe in the players I have instead of always looking at who might be coming in.

Not sure what team he’s talking about, but he has faith in the squad he’s assembled. So, as I’ve said before, until we start losing every game, we must trust Wenger. But, for how much longer?