Match Preview: Arsenal v. Steaua Bucureşti

By: Dan | December 11th, 2007

Finally we have the chance to overcome the past two very poor results. Tomorrow’s match against the Romanians seems to be straightforward, but injuries have decimated the squad and Wenger may be looking towards Sunday’s huge match against Chelsea.

Match Overview:

The Emirates Stadium, London
Wednesday, December 12 2007 - 20.45 CET
Group H - Matchday 6

This game is only important if we do not manage a win. If we lose or tie, then we are resigned to a second place finish in the group. Even if we win, if Sevilla doesn’t drop points against Slavia Prague, we are in second place. Our future is not solely in our hands, making Wednesday night even more aggravating.

But, the only thing Arsenal can do is focus on getting maximum points. Because this game is at home, I fully expect a win, even with a mix of second-string players starting the game. The game on Sunday against Chelsea is going to be massive, and I can’t help but feel that Wenger may have rested Fabregas, Hleb and Flamini in order to ensure they are injury-free. Wenger has often used “injuries” when there are other reasons the player isn’t on the pitch. (Remember when Lehmann was “injured”, yet still played for Germany?)

Le Boss himself has said he is trying to find “the right balance” of players to ensure we don’t lose, but also to prevent important players from being exhausted or injured. Wenger has also announced that Lehmann will (finally) return to goal, and I can’t tell you how relieved I am. Almunia is simply not a world class keeper…hell, he isn’t even the best back-up goalie in the Premiership. After Lehmann’s gaffes, it was necessary to show him that there was competition for a starting place, but Almunia has done little to impress with Lehmann on the bench.

Rosicky has played a great deal due to the absence of other creative players (Hleb, Fabregas), so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the sub bench, rested a little for Saturday. The biggest return of the night is that of a certain Robin van Persie who has finally been included in a squad, eight weeks after he suffered a “four week” injury. (The Arsenal physioroom is constantly frustrating.)

I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Sevilla-style lineup for this game (almost a Carling Cup lineup), as Wenger looks to rest players for Saturday.

So, a possible lineup:

———- —Lehmann
Diarra–Gallas–Senderos–Hoyte
Walcott–Denilson–Gilberto—Diaby
———-Bendtner–Eduardo

Bench: Fabianski, RVP, Rosicky, Traore, Eboue, Sagna, Gibbs

I think Bendtner really needs to start, if only to show Adebayor how to pass, control and not be perpetually offsides. Eduardo should play 90 minutes up top as he simply can’t play left wing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a goal or two from him if he is given time - the reason he was bought was to poach goals. The bench is strong in order to prevent a loss, and I would love to see Robin playing again, particularly with Chelsea coming up. Touré should be given the night off, as he looked completely out of character against Middlesbrough. I also think Clichy needs to be rested, and Hoyte needs playing time.

Oh…and Le Boss is forced to the stands after the shouting match in Seville. His presence will be missed.

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In other news, Gael Clichy has announced that the pressure is on Arsenal now that we only lead by 1 point in the league.

“Now the gap has closed and we have to make something good against Chelsea because the pressure is on. We like the pressure but it would have been different with a win at Middlesbrough.”

Personally, I am not a huge fan of pressure, and would rather have easy wins and casual success, but oh well. One thing is definitely true though, between Liverpool vs. Manchester United and Arsenal vs. Chelsea, Sunday will be a simply massive day.

Until next time…peace y’all.

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