Match Preview: Drogba Doubtful for Arsenal Trip + Other News

Arsenal will look to complete a Premier League double and also get a third successive win over Chelsea when the Blues visit the Emirates in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Roberto di Matteo’s side will be without David Luiz and suspended Branislav Ivanovic while according to a tweet by @BornGooner, Didier Drogba will miss the encounter as well, after picking a knee injury in the lone goal win over Barcelona on Wednesday.

Arsenal will be without Mikel Arteta who is out for 6-8 weeks with a sprained ankle that thankfully does not require surgery, while Yossi Benayoun is ineligible as part of the loan deal from Stamford Bridge.

Serial cold table patient Abou Diaby will likely be in the squad as a result of the above absentees while Laurent Koscielny returns from his two-match suspension, relegating Djourou to the bench and Squillaci to gunner-oblivion.

Possible line-up
Szczesny. Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Santos. Ramsey, Song, Rosicky. Walcott, Ox/Gervinho. Van Persie.

With Diaby playing a half of the lone goal win over Oman’s Olympic team during the week, he won’t be ready to play from the onset. Fellow Frenchman Francis Coquelin is back to full training as well but will miss the match due to match fitness.

Variables
A win for us is crucial for, other than local bragging rights, getting closer to sealing third spot in the league and a place at next season’s Champions League group stage.

With Chelsea (boldly) harbouring hopes of making next season’s Champions League through winning this season’s, fourth place in the league would become a ticket to the Europa League in the (un)likely event of that.

It either way keeps alive hopes of finishing third for the Sp*ds and Newcastle United; both on 59 points from 33 matches, in fourth and fifth respectively, consequently serving a good incentive for both to put pressure on Arsenal with 64 points from 34 matches played.

Other News
Former Arsenal forward Tony Woodcock has joined the queue of voices imploring on captain Robin van Persie to remain at the club beyond the end of his current contract.

According to Woodcock, “With somebody like Robin, it cannot be a financial thing at this stage in his career. Players want to win things and he is not far from doing so at Arsenal”.

The forward who spent four seasons with the club in the 1980s stated further that Arsenal is close to ending the trophy drought and though finishing third should be considered a success in lieu of our start to the season, the fans do want to see the club winning trophies again.

Elsewhere on a lighter note, captain of the Arsenal Ladies Faye White has called time on her international career while also contemplating her future at the club after revealing she is expecting her first child, due October.

White has spent 15 seasons at the Ladies with 27 honours to show for her long service and according to her, would wait for the feeling (for football) to “switch off” in her head before deciding to retire from the club as well.

We extend our best wishes to her, just as we hope a repeat of last season’s 3-1 win last time Chelsea visited occurs. Share your thoughts ahead of the encounter below and have a great weekend.

2012/2013 kit leaked?|Latest Team News|Everton Preview

Morning fellas! An Arsenal game finally…after what seems like an eternity without good football.

The picture above is what we think Arsenal will be wearing next season. I don’t think we have seen this colour combination before and it looks pretty cool if you ask me.

The past few days have given us fans time to reflect and to recharge our batteries for the run in. I hope it did the same for the players.

We travel to Everton tonight, with one objective, maximum points. Everton are usually a tricky opponent but with the right attitude, we should be smiling to bed tonight.

Le Boss revealed some team news ahead of tonight’s encounter.

There are really no changes from the team that played Newcastle. TV5 will be alright despite picking up a knock.

Diaby played for the reserves against L’pool yesterday and got a goal for himself. Let’s hope he can return and do a Rosicky.

Andre Santos is fit so he should start. This means we are waiting on just Coquelin and Wilshere to return before the season runs out.

The team practically picks itself. Santos for Gibbs is the only change I envisage.

Everton are expected to be without Jack Rodwell (hamstring), Seamus Coleman (thigh) and Darron Gibson (knee).

They beat the Spuds, albeit against the run of play, but they bombed at Liverpool. We are on a 9-game unbeaten run against Everton in the EPL, we should make that 10 tonight.

If we get our acts right from the 1st minute, a win is just within reach.

As exciting as it was, I don’t think I want to experience what happened against Newcastle again. Let’s put this tie to bed early.

It should be an interesting one. Chelsea play Man City tonight also and as annoying as it is, I’ll be rooting for Citeh tonight.

On a happier note, it’s good to hear that Fabrice Muamba is laughing and talking to his team mates again. Huge scare he gave us all on Saturday. Thank goodness his health has improved.

Apparently, the first thing he said after regaining consciousness was “Did we lose?”, with reference to the tie against Spurs. Wonderful professional!

The road to full recovery is still long but he’ll get there hopefully.

A win for City and Arsenal tonight puts us 6 points ahead of Chelsea. Massive considering that they still have to visit the Emirates.

I’m excited, you should be. Tonight, let’s get excited together, in a large room…with our clothes on.

Wilshere ‘Set For Return’ & Arsenal Gunning For 3rd

Lovely weekend it was unless of course you’re Andre Vilas-Boas, the Chelsea manager got the sack yesterday…wait what am I saying? Just thought of how much he stands to make from his sevarance package and all of a sudden, he’s the winner. Boo hoo. He’s always been a small fish in a big pond and the cabal of Terry-Lampard-Drogba was just too much for him in the end.

This past month has just been great for us gooners(if you exclude the Milan & Wearside games), four consecutive wins, Van Persie’s hot streak knowing no end so far and now the good news that Wilshere is set to boost our run for champions league qualification. Lovely. Oh yeah good morning from wherever. Straight to the post then.

Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere has returned to training according to Arsenal manager but he assured everyone he’s not closer to making a return, meaning he’s not match fit but is training with the ball I guess…..he had this to say.

“We have good news but Jack isn’t close to a comeback. The last scan was good and he can start to jog again so he is on his way back. But we have to be cautious with him. I hope to have him back before the end of the season, but we go step by step”

His return would boost us and I’d like to see him play at least one-two games with Van Persie so as not to miss out on what is the dutchman’s best season ever.

Speaking of the dutchman, oh how I love RVP, he deserves all the credit for our season so far and the lovely connection between him & Alex Song is just marvelous. The goals at Anfield are still playing in my head. Top man.

Gunning For 3rd & Milan…..
Our very poor & history-less & pretty much noisy neighbors have been the toast of our half of north london so far. I doubt they’re enjoying being our source of joy and entertainment. From having been behind them by 13points(when it was 2-0 down against them last week) now we’re just 4 points behind and yet we’re having our worst post-Wenger season.

Credit must go to a lot of people & media for helping Sp*rs capitulate but it all centers around Redknapp, from tax evasion to England coach speculation and his naïve substitutions against Arsenal where it ended 5-2 in our favor.

Special mention goes to AW who has gone through a lot(he put us there in the first place) but has steered the ship around and now not only are we on course to make champions league next season, we might end up above Sp*rs. Great achievement considering all we’ve been through & playing the season without Wilshere.

Milan…….
Wenger confirmed my worst fears when yesterday he said he won’t be resting Van Persie or anyone for that matter against Milan. Oh dear. Here’s how the Milan game can play out for us.

1) We win the match but lose the tie and important players pick up knocks.

2) We lose the match, lose the tie and important players pick up knocks.

3) We win the match, win the tie & no one picks up any knock.

4) We rest key players, win the match, lose the tie and the players are fit and fresh for the Newcastle game next week which is more important.

I want the 3rd option but that’s going to require a miracle after witnessing a 14 minute Zlatan Hattrick on saturday. The 4th option would be nice but knowing Wenger, he’ll never do that. Let’s pray for a miracle then.

I’ll be here tomorrow to give the preview on the Milan game. Have a great day and let’s know what you think in the comments.

P.S. Diaby is injured again, pulled a hamstring…..and grass is still green…. Gibbs & Benayoun also picked up knocks ruling them out of the Milan tie but Arteta has recovered and is fit. Great.

Follow us on twitter @goonermemoirs

Wenger Rubbishes Marco Fabian Reports| Diaby Injured AGAIN + Damiao Linked

Top of the morning to you gooners worldwide, its scorching hot on this side of the planet whereas I’m sure its freezing cold in other planets. Well, straight to business then.

Word coming out of Mexico since yesterday night is that we have signed 23 year old Chivas striker Marco Fabian who’s going to join us in February and the story was confirmed by his parents, but Arsene Wenger has come out this morning to rubbish the reports and had this to say.

Just an agent who wants to sell a player

Good to know we’re not going after ‘potential’ when there’s a bucket load of ready made forwards and players, the likes of which if signed would make RVP want to stay.

Player News
Perma crock Abou Diaby is out again for 10 days, that’s his 30th injury since breaking his ankle at the stadium of light a few years back, why are we patient with him? He’ll never be fit for a full season or half a season, let’s get rid of him in the summer already.

Tomas Rosicky too is ruled out, I say we accept the first bid we get in January for him, yes he’s good to have as a squad player but he’s past it and on the wrong side of 30. Get in a young player to replace him or promote Oxo(who has remained fantastic in his appearances so far)

Transfer Round Up
The latest name doing the rounds in the papers is brazilian striker Damiao. With 41 goals in 50 games one would be tempted to believe it, I’ve seen him play and he’s pretty decent, plays off the top striker or alone on his own. But I don’t see AW shelling out 25M in January for an unproven forward. Podolski is who I’d love to see join us.

The match preview would be here first thing tomorrow morning. Do check in to read it. Have a swell day.

Escobar

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League Cup Quarter-Final Preview: The Economist vs the Filthy Wealth

Last time out against Fulham, the pre-match stats tilted much against the Cottagers just as that building in Piza and against Manchester City tonight, same can be said. Most glaring of all being that we have never lost a home tie at the Emirates in domestic Cup competitions.

I’d rather not dwell on such stats, or on what could have been against Fulham, and focus on the match itself. Had the date read August 29, the above record would stand little chance of being after 90 minutes against such formidable opposition. Now however, certain factors have evened the balance and given Arsenal a realistic chance of making the League Cup semi finals… yet again.

Starting with the visitors. Having played virtually or all of the encounter on Sunday at Liverpool, we’re likely to not see ex-Gunner Gäel Clichy, James Milner and Yaya Toure feature after the trim saw out that pulsating match while David Silva (substituted at 90) and Sergio Aguero (at 82) will likely be rested.

Gareth Barry is out suspended along with the bi-polar Mario Balotteli while any one of Vincent Kompany or Joleon Lescott may be rested for Kolo Toure as both played all 90 minutes as well. All that said, this is City we’re talking about…

Edin Dzeko will definitely start and I reckon Pablo Zabaleta, Andy Johnson, Nigel de Jong and fan favourite $amir Nasri will start as well, which makes for a strong opposition against us tonight; not to mention a most capable Joe Hart in goal for them.

Hence, having brushed aside any notion of facing a weak (by fitness or quality) opposition, onto Arsène Wenger’s headache of what team to select appropriate enough to face City tonight and keep to his League Cup tradition.

Oxlade Chamberlain & Park Chu Yung are going to start the game, so too Emmanuel Frimpong, but le Professeur says 90% of the squad he knows already and the remaining 10% yet to be sorted. Arshavin after talking about him not playing enough games as his ‘abilities’ deserve before the Fulham draw, he’s done same for Yossi Benayoun ahead of tonight game so I believe the Israeli captain will start.

Possible line-up: Fabianski-Yenaris-Koscielny-Vermaelen-Santos-Frimpong-AOC, Benayoun-Coquelin-Gervinho-Park

In the end, I expect City to play defensive as it’s the approach manager Roberto Mancini has come to the Emirates with the past two seasons. Hopefully, the lads will come good tonight in the quest for a place in the last four. See you at the end of the game. COYG!!!!!

Illuminatish

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Arsenal vs Dortmund : Match Preview + Transfer & Player News

MUST WIN, no excuses, no complacency a la last season. Knowing quite well that a win guarantees us qualification and facing teams of lesser quality, I mean no disrespect. Its a match of two inform teams as both sides have gradually climbed their way into the top half of the table of their respective leagues. More so, its a duel of two inform players in Red (Hot) Robin & Young Super Mario(Gotze) who continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates.

TEAM NEWS
Not much is happening here, Rosicky is ruled out with a thigh strain but perennial absentee Diaby is back to take his place in the squad. Djourou might come in for Mertesacker at RB and Kozzer moving back to CB. The rest of the team is going to remain unchanged and RVP is to lead the team out.

Possible Formation: Szczesny-Djourou-Kozzer-Vermaelen-Santos-Song-Arteta-Ramsey-Gervinho-RVP-Walcott

Prediction: Arsenal 3:1 Dortmund

Transfer News + Player News
When quizzed on Gotze and the rumors, here’s what Arsene had to say:

“We have a big squad and we are after nobody. Gotze is a very good player and I can understand there is a lot of interest in him around Europe”

Typical Arsene, dodged the question. Knowing how Arsenal does its business, I’d say we’re definitely going for him. Let’s wait and see.

Szczesny says despite what is perceived as over confidence, he’s his own biggest critic and still has a long way to go before being considered great and first aim is to help Arsenal become big again.

Jack Wilshere has been chatty of late. He got infuriated by Spu*s fans saying they’re going for the title and made a wager saying if they finish ahead of Arsenal he’ll donate £3K to charity, if not, every spu*s fan following him donates a pound to his charity. What a legend.

From wherever you are, have a swell day. Qualification awaits. Cheers

Escobar

Follow us on twitter @goonermemoirs

Guess Who At Age 11?

Vermaelen Fit To Tackle Chelsea As Jenkinson Faces Late Test + Notes From The AGM

After coming through 80+ minutes in the Carling Cup on tuesday and coming off with small cramp, The Verminator has been passed fit to take on Chelsea. Although Wenger is yet to confirm if he’ll start, he’s in the squad and that in itself is a welcome boost to the squad ahead of the trip to the neighbors.

Not only that, Carl Jenkinson is facing a race to be fit for the game and would need to pass a late fitness test. The young Finnish-English lad hasn’t played since going off against Marseille two weeks ago.

Finally, the injuries are beginning to ease on us and in no time, we’ll have all our players fit with the exception of Jack Wilshere who is ruled out till the new year and what better time for that to happen than when the team is on the ascendancy. Diaby & Gibbs are still out, with no set date placed on the return of the latter, but we should see them soon.

The Annual General meeting held yesterday at the club and due to different obstacles I couldn’t make it in person to attend and apparently someone asked for PHW to step down and bring David Dein back to the club. To read on all that went down, (open the link in blue) check out Le Grove I also heard Wenger gave a rousing speech. Good man.

That’s all for now, I’ll be here to give you the match preview early tomorrow morning. Don’t miss it. Do have a swell day.

Escobar

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EXCLUSIVE : Vermaelen Back In TEN Days As Jenkinson Is Out For Three Weeks.

Its give-and-take season at Arsenal as great news always seems to come with some misfortune, but this is one piece of news I and gooners worldwide would appreciate. THE VERMINATOR IS BACK!!!!!!!!. For those that don’t know, that’s Thomas Vermaelen, our best defender and most prolific goalscoring one in years. Arsene Wenger had this to say about him:

He’ll be back in full training on friday(today), it would be 10 days to two weeks for him.

The great news did not stop there as he also touched on Abou Diaby and Kieran Gibbs:

“He(Diaby) is getting better but is not ready to play yet. He’s probably back in two weeks, just a fraction behind Vermaelen. While Gibbs is nothing serious and should be back in a week or two”

.

The only downside is Jenkinson who despite his great game at the Stade Veladrome on Wednesday picked up a knew injury which could see him ruled out for three weeks. With Vermaelen returning soon it might not be a huge loss as Djourou & Kozzer have been earmarked as possible replacements and the former having played there already.

One can only pray we continue to get good news as we’re slowly getting back on our feet. Again great credit to the defensive play on wednesday, very solid and matured. Cheers

Escobar

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Wegner To Sign ONLY Three Players + Bendtner & Almunia Leaving Arsenal,

Top of the morning to you gooners worldwide, its a shitty day from this side, horrible & unpredictable weather but that hasn’t stopped the media from feeding us lies and us from reading every story on every one we’re linked with, even the useless ones.

The team has finally left for Asia and almost everyone is on the plane barring Fabregas & Eboue(injuries), Diaby, Fabianski, Bendtner & Almunia. The exclusion of the last two mentioned has prompted everyone to believe they are leaving the club and are in talks already, so expect them to be gone before the Emirates cup begins. I wonder why Denilson wasn’t left behind, probably no one wants to buy him, I suggest we loan him out or relegate him to the reserves. Good to see the likes of Miyaichi & Frimpong part of the traveling party.

When giving his press conference before leaving for Asia, Arsene had this to say about potential additions to the squad

“We are working very hard on it, the best thing is not to talk too much about it, the more you speak about things, the less chance you have to achieve it. The only thing I can promise you is we will work very hard & we’ve had some long nights to achieve what we want. My first responsibility is not to lose players and then add to make us stronger, let’s hope we can bring in ONE or TWO quality signings

Either I misread that last part or what Wenger means is that we’ll buy 5 players but only 3 would be quality. I don’t see how everyone sees the changes that needs to be made yet the man in charge of the team is blind to them. I do hope we get at least 4 quality signings especially if Fabregas leaves. Let’s hope Gervinho is an Arsenal player by the time the next post comes up, as he’s already had 351 medicals already.

I’m off to go get a hot cup of tea as its raining bullets right about now. From wherever you are reading have a swell day and stay tuned for our first pre-season game against Malaysia XI on wednesday, I’ll give you more info on that later. See you in the comments.

Escobar

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Arsenal vs Liverpool : Match Preview

Greetings Gooners Far & Wide,

Its only right to pay respect to Daniel David Fiszman (9 January 1945 – 12 April 2011). May His Soul Rest in Peace.

Its another cracker tomorrow in the EPL as we welcome Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool to the Emirates. This fixture is one to look forward to as both teams have had their own fair share of ups and downs this season but from where we’re standing, we’re rooting for an Arsenal win.

The team is bolstered by the return of Song for some much needed muscle in mid-field. Djourou and Szczesny also make their return in defense and goal respectively, with rumours of Vermaelen making a bench appearance. So its safe to assume that this is “The return of the first Team”. Kudos to the team that played Blackpool last weekend, Cesc , Wilshere and most surprisingly Diaby who did a fairly good job in the midfield but would need to step up their game against a very determined Liverpool side.

Playing Liverpool earlier this season was not an easy task as we were just able to scrap a point after an own goal by Pepe Reina in the 90th minute of a match that ended 1-1. At this stage of the season its in the Teams best interest not to drop any points so as to keep title dreams alive. With Andy Carrol bagging his first two goals for Liverpool on Monday he will definitely be one to look out for as he has already scored against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season and we don’t want him becoming the first player to score against us twice with two different teams at home. January Super signing Luis Suarez would also be another player to look out for, remember how he single handedly bamboozled the entire Manchester United defense? We wouldn’t want a repeat of that, Portuguese man Raul Meireles is also having an amazing season in Liverpool’s colors having scored some crucial goals for them this season.

In general this team is not one to be taken lightly. But if you’re talking of form, one man certainly at the top of that table is Robin Van Persie, who I fancy to grab another goal this weekend.

Possible Formation: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Djourou, Clichy, Song, Fabregas, Wilshere, Nasri, Van Persie, Walcott.

With 7 games left, let’s hope on the day of that seventh match we would see on our respective TV screen’s “Arsenal’s Recent Form : ” W W W W W W” & with some sort of miracle The EPL will be ours.

From wherever you are, Keep the Arsenal dream alive and let’s do this for Danny Fiszman if not for any other reason.

Faf Says So

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