Seville Preview 27 November, 2007
Posted by lasagnechef in Champions League.trackback
A win tonight means we top the group and Wenger has said that’s what he’s aiming for. It’s not a full strength side that he’s sent to Spain and I’d be very pleased/surprised if we came away with all the points. Adebayor and Gallas have been omitted from the squad and Wenger explains why here. Other than those and the injured Clichy it’s a full strength squad. But it’s hard to tell what sort of team Arsene’s going to start with.
Bendtner is going to start. We know that, but who else? It could either be mixture of the non-regulars and more experienced players, or it could be a ‘Carling-Cup-ish’ side with a strong bench. Will Fabregas start? He was clearly missed at the weekend but will he get an extended break? Flamini and Gilberto are back in the squad after missing out the Wigan game with minor problems. I think Gilberto will get a start and Flamini will be on the bench.
Traore looks to come in for Clichy and Wenger could decide to rest Sagna too and give Hoyte a chance. With Walcott picking up a knock on Saturday I doubt he’ll start but no one really knows if that challenge has had any effect on him, so he could partner Bendtner.
Anyways, here’s my stab in the dark at the line-up:
Hoyte – Toure – Senderos – Traore
Eboue – Gilberto – Diarra – Rosicky
Bendtner – Eduardo
With Theo starting the last game I think it’s fair to give this opportunity to Da Silva. This will also be a chance for Senderos to prove himself before Toure goes away to the African Nations Cup. Diarra asked for games, so he should get given the chance, he’s done alright, but I still prefer Flamini at the moment. It’s up to Lassana if he wants to push for that first team place.
On the bench we’d have Fabregas, Sagna, Denilson and Walcott as more options. I really have no idea how Wenger’s going to approach this, we’ll have to wait and see tonight.
I’m guessing it’ll be a draw tonight but even that will be a tough test for this team. A win would be fantastic but I think tonight could be the night we lose our unbeaten run. No biggie, we’re through, the run is just a bit of fun.
Right I have loads of work to do so I better go. By the way it’s elstreegooner’s birthday today, maybe he’ll get off his lazy arse and actually write something for once. Match report tomorrow, until then.
i agree with your back-line and i think it will be a tough game for senderos,either against Kanoute or Fabiano.i would like o see Cesc play this one and maybe rested later on in the game for Denii to come on and try something so my stab will be something like this..
Almunia
Hoyte Toure Senderos Traore
Berto Diarra
Eboue Cesc Rosicky
Bendtner
maybe if Cesc didnt play then have Rosicky behind Bendtner (Hlebesque) and have Eduardo coming in from the left,that way we can have Cesc and Walcott coming in as impact players…but then again its jus a stab in the dark…
you would think the way Le Boss hints at line-ups and formations before the game,is baceause he looks forward to reading the blogs and finding out what our predictions are….jus a thought.
Time to drop Almunia and also bring in Song in place of senderos.
Reason:
We need Jens for the tough December games and the title runs. Song can also cope with speedy Servilla players who might roast Senderos with their pace.