Saturday 18 August 2012

Arsenal vs Sunderland Preview: Team and Injury News


Morning all,

Apologies for the briefness of the post as I am about to embark on an epic journey. A journey that will take me from Highbury & Islington station to the depths of the Bailey for some special brew (not literally) in a little over an hour (I know it’s early but it is how I celebrate the start of the season). From there we shall pop into whichever pub confronts us across Holloway Road until Daniel, Aman, Kristian and I set foot in the majestic Emirates stadium to welcome the Premier League campaign.

It may be difficult to ascertain exactly who might play and how we will shape up but one thing is clear; we will be out there to win. Despite what has happened in the last 48 hours regarding Song and Van Persie, the attitude and commitment that was shown from the boss in the pre-match conference was one to marvel at. He literally confronted fire with volcanic lava and then stuck the boot in to make sure.

He took questions with an aura of someone who has had enough with player power. He met questions with such disdain at times I am surprised that it was not bigger news. He seems to have grasped the notion that the players he has moulded into superstars no longer care about loyalty and that is the “reality” we live in.

Either way the next fixture is the most important and as such we need to look at the options we have available. In addition to the long term injuries of Wilshere, Frimpong, Sagna and Rosicky, we have Oxlade-Chamberlain and Koscienly out according to Arsenal.com. We also have Theo Walcott facing a late fitness test on a bruised thigh, one which I expect him to pass. Cazorla is also expected to face a test due to his excursions midweek with Spain.

Either way, this is the team I expect to play:

                                                    Szczesny

Jenkinson                    Mertesacker                 Vermaelen                   Gibbs

                                    Arteta                          Diaby

                                                    Cazorla
Walcott                                                                                               Gervinho
                                                    Podolski

The line up could easily include Podolski and Giroud which would likely result in Gervinho starting on the bench.

Sunderland are a decent team but one which has struggled to strengthen from last year. I would guess that as with any Martin O’ Neil team, they will be difficult to break down but given the firepower, I can see us getting a couple.

My prediction is 2-0. A solid start.

Let me know your thoughts.

GoonerVerse.


5 comments:

  1. yeah, I sure agree with your scores prediction. No matter who left or loose faith in arsenal or arsene wenger, I remain Gunners for Life.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i think this is the correct starting XI that Sunderland will face...
    and good luck gunners... we the fans love you even if someone like RVP who left the gunners for more money doesn't...

    my prediction is a solid 3-0

    ReplyDelete
  3. Soldier go soldier come I remain a typical arsenal fan

    ReplyDelete
  4. i remain gooner

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Goonerverse

    What a great blog - there's some fantastic stuff here! It’s a shame that you haven’t written in a while! If you would still like to write the occasional article on Arsenal, we would love for you to share your opinions on www.fanalistas.co.uk a site where the stories are written by fans. It’s less pressure than maintaining your own blog! You can write about what you want when you want.

    If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can set up an account at the following link: www.fanalistas.co.uk/register

    Regards
    James
    (james.fanalistas@gmail.com)

    Like us on facebook to enter our draw for an iPad 3 www.facebook.com/fanalistas
    Follow us on twitter @fanalistas

    ReplyDelete