Sparta Prague Preview 28 August, 2007

There really isn’t much news around this week, which is weird, and I haven’t got time to do a preview of our Champions League qualifier so it makes sense to write it now. Arsene’s pre-match press conference isn’t until later today, which is a bit annoying; we’re still waiting on the news of Sagna and Senderos’ injuries.

We troubled to beat Manchester City this weekend but Sparta warmed up for the game with a 4-1 win. They come to the Grove with nothing to lose; they are expected to be knocked out. 2 goals scored and they’re right back in it, so if we concede (which is likely) then we have to be extra careful. If we score then they need 3, but then 3 away goals would take them through. I don’t see us losing 3-1 though to be honest.

In goal we’ll have Almunia, I have complete confidence in Manuel and I don’t feel nervous because he’s our reserve ‘keeper. I hope the back four will be Sagna – Toure – Senderos – Clichy however Bac and Phil picked up slight knocks on Saturday. We’ve heard nothing to say they’ll be out for tomorrow night’s game but we’ve heard nothing to say they’ll be fit. That will be cleared up in today’s press conference.

If they are out then Gilberto will come in for Senderos as he did at the weekend. As for Sagna, well I’m not really sure on the news of Eboue’s injury, but if Emmanuel if fit then I’d say that he’d come in at right back. If he is still injured I guess Justin Hoyte will get his first game of the season.

Edit: Pictures of the players training today shows Senderos and Diaby in action so I’m guessing Big Phil will be back

In midfield I think Wenger will start with 5 with Hleb playing that advanced position behind Van Persie. That’s just a complete guess but with the 2-0 advantage and the fact that if we don’t concede we’re through it makes sense. On the right wing we can either go with Walcott or Flamini (or Eboue if he’s fit) and on the left I guess it’ll be Rosicky. Then in the middle I think Gilberto will start if he’s not needed in defence then he’d be along-side Fabregas, Flamini or Denilson. Then of course Van Persie up front.

There are a number of options Arsene can go with but it’s hard for me to pick a team when I haven’t heard Arsene’s press conference and I don’t know the fitness of some players.

I don’t think tomorrow night will cause any problems. There shouldn’t be a problem and we should make our way into the Champions League. However only if we do concentrate and do not underestimate them. Tickets are on general sale if you fancy going down but make sure you bring a scarf; RedAction and the club are asking people to bring scarf to our European fixtures, sounds good to me.

Right then, that’s enough for today. I’ll get a match report up either Wednesday night or Thursday. Until then.

Edit: Wenger’s had his press conference and Sagna’s out and Senderos is back:

“The injuries are Eboue, Gallas and Lehmann. Sagna is injured too with a kick in the back but he should return for Portsmouth on Sunday. Senderos is back in the squad.”

So I take it Diaby’s back? Maybe he’ll play some part. Also Arsene confirmed that Eboue is still out so I expect it will be Hotye to come in.