Arsenal vs. Celtic Preview 18 August, 2009

In a few hours time Celtic Park will be rocking and our young side will be going out to qualify us for the Champions League. It feels a bit strange to me that so early into the season we have this massive game to play. Never mind how good you think Celtic are, any team in the world struggles at their place. We need to carry on that good form from the weekend and show that we will not be intimidated by the atmosphere.

We might have to do it without Fabregas, Sagna and Denilson who are all doubts for this evening. They will all be taking fitness tests today and I pray that all three come through alright. I won’t be so confident if we have to play without our captain tonight after his performance at Everton. He brings us together and surely Celtic will fancy their chances if he is ruled out.

We have got Diaby back though and of course Arshavin is now eligible to play in Europe. I’m sure he’s looking forward to showing us what he can do on the big stage.

I think we’ll line up with the same team that put six past Everton:

Almunia
Sagna – Vermaelen – Gallas – Clichy
Song
Fabregas – Denilson
Bendtner – van Persie – Arshavin

Obviously that’s depending on how those fitness tests go today. If Sagna is out then Eboue will just come straight in at right back, Diaby would come in for either Cesc or Denilson but if both were ruled out I reckon we would drop Andrey back into midfield and start Eduardo up front.

I’m just looking forward to the match now, it’s going to be a great game I’m sure. I bet those Gooners that are lucky enough to have travelled north are having a great time and will do us proud in the away end.

An early goal would help us tonight. Then we can settle down, play our own game and force Celtic to come at us. I’m confident ight now but anything can happen.

Right I better go. Enjoy the game, thanks for reading.