Man City Preview: Arshavin out for three games 11 September, 2009

I said in my last post that Andrey Arshavin was a possibility to face Wales with his Russian side and we should be looking forward to him returning at the weekend for us. Well he played the full fucking 90 minutes and he will now be out for two weeks. It’s a joke. Arsene Wenger is not happy and you can watch a free video of him by clicking that link above. Arsene is under the impression he should have never played at all and Russia knew this as he went out there injured. Man United always seem to get away with not letting players go away on international duty so why can’t we bloody do the same? Andrey came off injured in our last game against Man United so surely he shouldn’t be then going off to play with his country?

Well, it’s something we’re going to have to deal with now. He’ll certainly be missed tomorrow and Mark Hughes’ Man City must see it as a bit of a bonus for them. It’s not all bad news though, Tomas Rosicky was back in action for the Czech Republic and will soon be available for us. I don’t know how that works either – he’s fit for the Czech’s but not for Arsenal? Anyway Wenger says tomorrow is probably a bit too soon for him which is fair I guess but with AA23 out we might see Tomas as a direct replacement.

Cesc Fabregas is also back after missing out at Old Trafford. He made an appearance in both games for Spain and even scored on Wednesday. It’s great to have him back, as disappointed as I am about Arshavin at least we have our captain.

Johan Djourou’s six month injury has been confirmed by the boss however he’s put a 6-8 month timescale on it which is what I thought if you read my blog earlier in the week. That’s him out for almost the season so we now have just four centre backs in the squad, one of which being Silvestre – it doesn’t look good. Wenger must have known about Djourou’s surgery before the transfer window closed but the club chose to keep it on the quiet. It’s a bit infuriating really but they did it for a reason so lets see how lucky we are with Gallas and Vermaelen’s fitness.

Right I best start looking towards tomorrow’s game rather than dwelling on injury problems but this is always the way after an international break unfortunately. Tomorrow there’s going to be a lot of attention on a certain Emmanuel Adebayor who has a decent scoring record so far this season and would love to continue that against us I’m sure. It will also be the first time Kolo Toure faces his old club but he will get nothing but a great big cheer from the travelling fans. He is a true Arsenal hero, he knew what it took to win over the fans – hard work, pride in the badge, commitment and a never say die spirit. All qualities that Adebayor lacked and that’s why he will never get the reception from the Arsenal fans that he used to crave so much.

City have made a few strong additions to the squad this season and there’s no doubt that they are an improved side. Last year we went up there and got done 3-0 and we can have no complaints about that result. Things weren’t going our way at the time and we were punished for a shit performance. I’m not that worried about it happening again though, I think we’ve got our heads screwed on a bit tighter this time around. I wouldn’t say I am scared of City and apparently they’re not scared of us. We’re both good sides though and I’m looking forward to a good game.

As for team news it’ll be 4-4-3 again but with no Arshavin. Walcott could’ve been a good choice to come in but he’s not fit yet. He’s no longer injured but Wenger says he hasn’t taken part in any full training sessions yet this season and wont be available for at least a week.

Here’s how I think we’ll line up then:

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Song
Fabregas (c) – Denilson
Bendtner – van Persie – Eduardo

It looks quite attacking but you’ve still got the defensive balance with that midfield. I think that’s a decent team and I can see us scoring goals and defending well with that 11 – that’s on paper though, we’ll have to see tomorrow.

As for City well Carlos Tevez is out after picking up a knee injury this international break. Robinho is a doubt but they have plenty of strikers. Adebayor will start and he will be well up for I’m sure. We know all about him and I hope Gallas and Vermaelen shut him out.

City have yet to concede a goal this season and are on 3 wins out of 3. That won’t bother us though, we are going there to take all three points tomorrow.

I can’t believe it’s not being televised to be honest. But I will be trying to find a stream online. If I find a decent one I’ll link you to it on my twitter.

Those of you going have a good trip and do us proud, I know you will.

Thanks for reading.