Arsenal-Stoke Match Thread + Liveblog? Poll

By: Martin | December 5th, 2009

Lineups are in:

Arsenal: Starters: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traore, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Eboue, Rosicky, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Senderos, Silvestre, Merida, Ramsey, Vela, Wilshere.

Stoke City:Starters: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Huth, Faye, Collins, Lawrence, Delap, Diao, Etherington, Sanli, Sidibe. Subs: Simonsen, Higinbotham, Cort, Whelan, Beattie, Fuller, Pugh.

A couple of interesting things to note. First of all, I’m not sure what the alignment is, I would guess a 4-3-3 with Cesc, Denilson, and Nasri in midfield, and Eboue on the right, Rosicky on the left, and Arshavin in the center of the forward line. I suppose it would also be possible for it to be a 4-4-2, with Eboue on the right, Rosicky on the left, and Nasri and Arshavin playing up top. Secondly, Fabianski’s inclusion ahead of Mannone confirms what we suspected–Mannone’s now 3rd in the keeper pecking order. Also interesting to see Eduardo left out of the squad entirely–I assume it’s because he picked up a knock, but his form has been really poor recently.

On the Stoke side, Shawcross is injured and will not play, which should make it a bit easier to break down their defense. Also, former Middlesbrough striker Tuncay gets his first Premiership start in a Stoke shirt.

Also, I’ve been toying with the idea of maybe doing a liveblog of a game at some point–not today, certainly, but maybe sometime soon. Basically it would just be me giving my minute-by-minute commentary on a game and anyone who wanted could join in with your comments as well (for an example, look here). I think it would be fun to do if we had participation, so I thought I’d throw up a poll to gauge interest. It would have to be a game on FoxSoccer or ESPN, since I don’t have Setanta at my apartment, but I feel like most Arsenal league fixtures fall into that category. Anyway, be honest–you won’t hurt my feelings.

Would you be interested in reading/participating in an Arsenal Offside Liveblog?(trends)

Could be a tough match, but I’ve got a good feeling we’re going to bounce back with a strong performance. Come on Arsenal.

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Category: Arsenal News, Fixtures, Premiership, Stoke City

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Homey

I usually pull for a draw when a couple top teams play, but I must say I laughed when I saw that Ade put in an own goal against Chelsea.
Gigi

i'm kinda like homey, if we go bad i get pissed and tend to let go,
on the other hand i would be cheating on my superstitious non-watching-live,
but, for that same reason i would be an avid reader and so-so commentor for a live one,
so, i would deftly support it,
Ed

If you're in next Sunday for a liveblog, I will join you.
Peevish

I think the live blog is a great idea - would be interesting getting your live commentary, and a good place to discuss the match as its going on. Sure we would get some interesting debate going on. Especially once Bendtner is back!
On a side note - I'm not enjoying Delaps throw-ins at the moment
Homey

Score one for Homey. I said Ramsey wouldn't start, and it would be Eboue or Rosicky ahead of him. I didn't predict Eduardo's omission though.
As far as a live blog goes, I tend to only half-pay attention when we fall behind. And I turn it off completely if we're two goals behind. I dunno if I'm a good live blogger if things don't go well, since I get pissed. And I miss all the Sunday matches with church too. But I'm sure there are others who will be good bloggers.