Arsenal vs. Barnet Preview: Football is back! 17 July, 2009

We’ve finally made it, tomorrow we kick off our 09/10 preparations after a long, long summer. It’s the annual Underhill opener and as always I can’t wait! It’s just a little run out for the players but getting to see them playing again, mixing with the fans and just having a good day out is what it’s all about.

It would be nice to see a few goals but I think I’m more looking forward to the first glimpse of Vermaelen and a chance to see Rosicky again. He is literally ‘like a new signing’ and if he can recover from his long period out well then he’s going to be a big bonus this year.

The squad has been announced and those two will be involved. There’ also a chance of seeing Almunia, Gallas, Djourou, Silvestre, Arshavin and Wilshere. The rest of the squad is made up of reserves, youngsters and Carling Cup regulars. You’re probably wondering where everyone else is, well the squad was only going to include players that returned from training early and those with summer commitments will join in the friendlies after tomorrow’s.

However, there are a few players that aren’t in the squad that started training with those others above. There’s no Nasri, no Eduardo and no Senderos. Not sure why Nasri or Eduardo aren’t involved but Senderos’ exclusion does point towards his impending exit. There’s no Adebayor either who apparently said goodbye to team mates this morning ahead of his move to Man City. It wouldn’t surprise me if that move was announced right at the start of next week.

Lets concentrate on who is there rather who isn’t and it’s going to be great, if not a little strange, to see Tomas Rosicky back in action. I hope he gets to play but if not just seeing him train before the game is going to be a bonus. Cesc Fabregas is looking forward to seeing his best mate back playing again too. I look forward to seeing them combining this season; just think, Arshavin, Fabregas and Rosicky all going forward in our midfield – add a decent defensive player to that and you have a very good midfield right there.

In recent meetings we’ve usually stated with a strong side with a load of subs at half time and then finishing the game with a complete team of reserves and kids. It doesn’t bother me, it gives everyone a run out – I’m just glad to see Arsenal playing again. It’s hard to guess at the team for a game like this, but out of the squad available I see this as our strongest starting eleven:

Almunia (c)
Djourou – Vermaelen – Gallas – Silvestre
Rosicky – Coquelin – Emmanuel-Thomas – Wilshere
Arshavin
Simpson

I’ve been really impressed with Coquelin; he’s really energetic, gives everything and doesn’t stop working. He’s done well at central midfield and right back so don’t be surprised to play either position tomorrow. Apart from I guess Arshavin, there are no first team forwards in tomorrow’s squad so it’s a chance for some of the kids to impress. With service from Rosicky and Arshavin they could be given some great opportunities. Jay Simpson showed what he can do in last season’s Carling Cup, I’m expecting to see him play.

It doesn’t really matter what the team is to be honest, it doesn’t really matter what the score is at the end of the day! I’d like to see Vermaelen and Rosicky as I said above and it would be also good to see the rest of the first teamers too but I’m not being picky.

My coach leaves Bournemouth at 9:30 tomorrow morning arriving nicely in time for a few beers in Barnet before the game. I’m really looking forward to it, particularly just being in a crowd of Gooners again going to watch a game. As I write this I’m looking out my front room window and there’s a load of Bournemouth and Tottenham fans walking past to the stadium down the road. I’m sitting here in my Arsenal shirt and already had one funny look from a spud! Wish I was going to the game tonight but I have work a bit later, come on the Cherries anyway! I’m looking forward to tomorrow though, you just can’t beat that feeling of walking up to a ground to watch The Arsenal.

If you’re not going I believe it’s on Arsenal TV but it’s still not sold out last time I checked. If you can make it down there it’s always a good day out.

Well here’s to AFC Bournemouth tonight, Arsenal tomorrow and I guess Mother Nature too… hopefully it doesn’t piss it down for everyone standing in the terraces! I’ll bring you a report Sunday hopefully but it could be Monday. See you when I see you.