Notes and News for the Weekend

By: travis | April 4th, 2008

With the weekend almost here, it’s hard to feel any optimism of Arsenal’s chances at a CL or EPL title. It’s hard to see anything different happening this weekend at the Emirates if the team fails to improve on their finishing, and stops blocking goal-bound shots. In lieu of any preview from me, I bring you words of wisdom from Wenger himself, courtesy of the team’s official site.

He starts off by alluding to the selection dillema he has for the weekend. Adebayor is alright for the match, but the usual suspects are out (Van Persie, Eduardo, Rosicky). It bums me out the Van Persie can’t stay healthy. For those of you familiar with his past brilliance, he creates the possibility of a mouth-watering partnership up front with Ade. Wenger shares his thoughts on selections:

“I’ll base my decision [on who else plays] in the position, the number of games they have played recently, whether they finished the game well physically, if they are fatigued and if they have bruises or knocks.”

Wenger also seems to think that Liverpool will rest players and focus on the Champions League Match. I’m not so sure, but interesting nonetheless:

“I believe they will make changes, I am convinced of that. I am not sure whether Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will play. They have a big squad and a lot of experienced players who didn’t play on Wednesday; to my calculation, eight players to my calculation with big Premier League experience.”

With Rafa’s love of the rotation policy it does seem likely. Arsene then goes on to mention the team’s spirit right now as ‘frustrated but not down.’

I’ve always admired Wenger for his ability to coach and find talent. These next three games will be a test that he would love to pass. With United seeming invincible and with Liverpool’s Champions League prowess, things are going to be dicey over the next few days. They will also determine whether or not Arsenal will go trohpy-less this season.

Oh, and just for good measure, Fabregas claims to know that Flamini will sign a new deal. I hope you’re right Cesc.

Prediction:
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

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