AZ Alkmaar Preview 20 October, 2009

I’ll get straight into the team news and Walcott, Rosicky, Bendtner and Eduardo are all missing which might give an opportunity to Merida, Wilshere or Carlos Vela in our attacking three. Robin van Persie and Arshavin are in the squad and with all those missing I’m expecting them two to start, Eboue has joined them in the front three before but I think I’d prefer someone else up there tonight. I don’t think Vela has featured yet this season so I wouldn’t mind taking a better look at him. Wilshere’s done well when he’s been called upon but it’s only really been 20 minute cameos here and there, not Champions League starts.

Knowing Arsene Wenger I’m expecting Eboue to start with the front three. He played right back at the weekend but could be called up to play right forward tonight.

The midfield and defence almost picks itself but the goalkeeper isn’t a certainty. Almunia is back now but Mannone was picked ahead of him at the weekend. Tonight will tell a lot about our goalie situation depending on who starts and who doesn’t. I think it’s going to be Manuel though, nothing against Mannone, who’s done brilliantly but I just think the Spaniard will get the nod tonight with his experience.

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

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Song
Fabregas – Diaby
Eboue – van Persie – Arshavin

As I was saying, we have quite a few attacking players out of this evening’s game, but I believe we can still score goals. We have shown this season that we can score goals from all over the pitch and anyone can get on the score sheet. Wenger agrees, he says this side probably has the greatest attacking potential of any side he’s had. We are certainly scoring goals this season and we don’t look like drying up any time soon.

As for tonight’s opponents… well I must admit I’m no expert on Dutch football. I do know they won’t be wearing a shirt sponsor tonight and I do know they lost 3-2 to Steve McClaren’s FC Twente on Saturday making it five matches lost in their last eight in all competitions, winning only two.

They’re bottom of the group with one point and will be without a few players too. To be honest, on paper, it doesn’t sound too good for Alkmaar. However they are at home and they will give it their best shot.

The pressure is more on us to pick up three points as everyone expects us to do. Unless we have a start like our last Champions League away trip then I believe we should win tonight. Three points would put us in a very comfortable position in the group and maybe allow us to rest some players later on in the group stages.

I think we’re on Sky Sports Extra tonight. I’ll be watching over the internet I think so if I find a decent stream I’ll let you know on my twitter. Enjoy the game.