Sunderland Preview: First glimpse of the owl 20 February, 2009

With Eduardo out, Andrey Arshavin will be taking centre stage tomorrow. Although he might not start, we’ve been promised to see our latest signing at some stage against Sunderland. Wenger has admitted he isn’t quite 100% yet but says he is OK to play some part in the game. Le Boss has been talking about our new Russian midfielder:

He has personality and a strong character. The handicap he has at the moment is that he is not completely fit physically, but all the rest should be quite quick. He is maybe a week short to be completely fit to play at his best. He had three weeks preparation – two weeks with us and one week with Zenit – so that’s not too bad.

But we will take the needed time. We will not put him under pressure, if he needs a bit longer he takes a bit longer. But at the moment we have many players in that area injured like Fabregas, like Rosicky, like Walcott. So there is a position to take as a creative midfielder.

That suggests that he wont start tomorrow, or if he does then he certainly wont finish the game. I’m expecting him to come on for the last half an hour or so either to help us score or hopefully to get a run out in an already won game. Arsene was also talking about where we will be playing him:

Any position – right, left or behind the strikers. He can integrate well our combination game. He can move very well, he is very mobile so that is something we work on as well. He is a clever passer of the ball and that is something you need in every big team to open teams up.

I have not yet decided if he will start, I will decide that tomorrow morning. But he is in the squad for tomorrow and we will see. You have to give everybody who comes in time to adapt, to adjust. However, I know his vision, his passing ability, his quick brain and they are very important things in the modern game.”

It would be a boost to see Arshavin’s name on the team sheet tomorrow lunch time. Saying that, it would be a boost to se anyone’s name on the team sheet other than Eboue’s. Carlos Vela did really well on the wing Monday night so maybe he will be called up again.

Bendtner also put on a good show against Cardiff and with Eddy out I guess we’ll be seeing him alongside van Persie. Robin has been talking about his fitness this season saying that his target for the year was simply to stay fit! He’s revealed that the reason behind his terrible injury record could be from not listening to the medical staff – he says that he would ignore requests to take it easy because he just wanted to play. Well he’s doing something right this season and proving what an asset to the squad he is when he stays fit. Well done Robin!

The only other bit of team news is Johan Djourou returning, he was ill for Monday night but I’m expecting him to start tomorrow. Here is how I predict/want us to line up:

Almunia
Sagna – Djourou – Gallas – Clichy
Nasri – Song – Denilson – Vela
Bendtner – van Persie

I’m going to be walking around with a big grin on my face if I hear Arshavin’s been picked to start – but realistically, and after Wenger’s comments I think he will be on the bench. I don’t want him to be rushed if he’s not ready because that’s when injuries occur.

Sunderland have a few boosts of their own, Calum Davenport and Tal Ben Haim are available after joining on loan and Teemu Tainio is available after returning from injury, as is Paul McShane.

They’re sitting eleventh in the table but that only makes them 7 points clear of the drop zone. This is a game we really should be winning and I am confident we can do so after Monday night’s performance.

It’s Villa vs. Chelsea in the early kick off tomorrow which means we have an opportunity to catch up with them. Although we’re closer to Chelsea points-wise I’m being realistic and hoping Villa lose. Chelsea are more likely to pick up points towards the end of the season and if I had to choose between us catching Villa or Chelsea I’d guess at the midlands side. Whatever happens in that game happens but we need to make sure we win ours and take this opportunity to move closer to 4th place.

I’m back up in London this weekend and really looking forward to going to this game. It’s been a while and I’m missing my Arsenal at the moment! I’m also excited about seeing Arshavin play as Gooner for the first time and being a part of his welcome to Ashburton Grove.

I’m optimistic about tomorrow but this season has proven just how unpredictable we can be, you just never know. C’mon you Gunners!!

Thanks for reading.