Celtic Preview: We’ll have to do it without Fabregas 25 August, 2009

First off I think another apology is in order for completely disappearing for a week. Well I went back to London unknowing that I have no internet at the house. It’s amazing how life just comes to a halt with connection to the world wide web.

So I went to the Portsmouth game at the weekend with no idea of team news or anything and have only just found out that we will be without Cesc Fabregas tomorrow night who has picked up a hamstring injury. The boss says there is a chance that he could return for the trip to Man United but he is definitely out for the crucial second leg against Celtic.

Arsene has said the injury wont bring about a change to the new formation and Aaron Ramsey could be the man to step in. I like Ramsey, he came on for the second half at the weekend and showed that he too has an eye for the goal. However I’m not sure whether Wenger would be so keen playing such an inexperienced player in a game like tomorrow night’s. I see it as a simple choice between Diaby or Ramsey though and Arsene might go for the slightly more defensive option.

Here’s my guess at the team:

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Song
Denilson – Ramsey
Bendtner – van persie (c) – Arshavin

Although we are in a strong position 2-0 up and although we have got Man United away at the weekend, Wenger will not be resting any players. He says he’s going to start with his best team but it wouldn’t surprise me if things go according to plan we’ll see some stars taken off.

I’m not as worried about this one as I was the first leg. We’ll have our own fans behind us this time and in a much more familiar place. Also, Celtic have to come out at us and we all know that is when we play our best. If that is the case then I think we will have good fortune on the counter attack, especially with a team like as the one above.

I’m expecting the visitors to come out flying; we’ll need to be mature and strong in the first quarter of the game, hold on to the clean sheet and get the game in our control. Then I think we can start to build on our two goal lead.

If Celtic do come and score first, we need to show our maturity even more to stop the inevitable bombardment from Celtic. We just have to remember we are still winning and just stop them from having the ball.

I’m driving up from Bournemouth for the game and heading back straight after. Bit of a long trip but I think it’s going to be really worth it. The atmosphere was good I thought at the weekend but I’m expecting better tomorrow night. The visitors will be noisy and I think we will give it right back to them. Remember to bring along your scarf from Saturday if you were there – if this is your first home game of the season then dig last season’s scarf out and lets get some colour in the stadium.

Ok then well I’ll speak to you Thursday with the match report. Enjoy the game and if you’re going lets hear you in full voice for The Arsenal.