Burnley Preview: Cesc, Gallas, Hleb & more rested 5 January, 2008

It’s not a ‘Carling Cup’ side as much tomorrow, but we have decided to rest a lot of our best players. We’re considerably weakened as Wenger has chosen to rest Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Hleb, Fabregas and Adebayor. Flamini’s suspended but I don’t think he would’ve played anyway, also van Persie is still injured. Theo Walcott’s got a shoulder problem that’ll be looked at today; I don’t think he’ll start either way though.

I do worry that we’re resting too many players. I have faith in our reserve players but Burnley aren’t a bad, bad side, they’re mid-table in the Championship at the moment. The like’s of Diarra, Denilson and Diaby will have to put in performances and maybe show the boss what they’re worth. Traore’s going to start at left back in place of the rested Clichy. I do like Traore, he’s still learning and does make errors but he is very quick and can be dangerous down the left. Also Eduardo and Bendtner are likely to be partnered up front as both players have a bit of confidence at the moment.

So here’s what I think the team will bee tomorrow:

Toure and Eboue will play their last game for us before going to Africa, Kolo’s possible replacement Senderos will be looking to impress in tomorrow’s game after some shaky performances this season. We should go with the 4-4-2 I’ve suggested, I see no real reason why we should put 5 across the middle however Eduardo does provide an option on the wing if Arsene insists.

This is another big chance for Diarra to put his feet where is mouth is…as it were. I do like him, he is a good player, just wish he’d shut up and get on with it but Gallas was the same last year and look where he is now. Wenger says there’s been no bid from Spurs for him and he wants him to stay with us, Arsene rates him but I’m sure he’s trying his patience.

We kick off at 2pm tomorrow. Enjoy the game and I’ll write up a match report as soon as I can. Thanks for reading.