Weekend Update

By: travis | March 7th, 2009

It’s been a brilliant Saturday for me. Watched Manchester United thump Fulham, wishing that Arsenal could show some consistent form like Man U does. That being said, with Burnley coming to Ashburton Grove tomorrow Arsenal will get their chance. Revenge is on the cards as Burnley knocked the youngsters out of the Carling Cup back in December and will aiming for a second cupset of Arsenal. The fact that they’ve already seen Burnley in a competition this season should be an advantage, but you never know. I anticipate a stronger side from Wenger, with Fabianski in goal, probably Ramsey and Song in the midfield, with Arshavin perhaps getting a rest.

The preview on Arsenal.com points out that the oddsmakers have set this competition as our greatest chance to win a trophy. While that’s the case, there’s a part of me that wants Wenger to pursue that trophy, then there’s another that wouldn’t mind seeing us lose out — simply because that would let the boss concentrate on the league and the Champions League. Finishing in the top four is the number one priority at this point — it has to be — and while I would love to see Arsenal hoist the FA Cup at the end of the season, my heart wouldn’t be broken to see them go out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not hoping they lose, but I would take a top four finish and the CL money over an FA Cup victory — if I had to choose. I’d prefer both, not one at the expense of the other.

Pessimism aside, it’s a winnable game tomorrow against Burnley and a chance to see Walcott and Eduardo back in the side. Hopefully they’ll both get a good run in and stay fit. There will most likely be more setbacks along the way for Eduardo as he tries to return to 100% fitness, but here’s hoping that he won’t struggle too much. Eyes will be on Theo tomorrow — his return should be a real boost to the league. It’s exciting to think about Nasri, Walcott, Arshavin, and Fabregas in the middle field. I’m getting giddy already.

If you like Cesc (and I know you all do), then the news that he’ll be back in training in two weeks is a great thing. Pictures of him in limited training action are available here via the Arsenal.com. That’s a good sight, and I’ve read reports that say he’s four weeks again from a return to the first team. Hopefully Villa will be below us by then.

Adebayor recently backed Arsenal to advance all the way to the Champions League final. I like his enthusiasm and optimism, but let’s be realistic. A team that is struggling to make it into fourth place isn’t exactly in the drivers seat to win the CL. However, with Barcelona looking much less like a certainty and even Man United picking up some injuries today against Fulham, if they were to win against Roma this week, I could see it happening. Keep in mind that they’ve got to win in Rome first — which will be no easy task.

Last thought before I go; I’ll be live blogging tomorrow’s game against Burnley. I’ll be sitting down 30 minutes before kickoff (if I don’t sleep in too late), so be sure to tune in tomorrow.