Arsenal

[Rev]

They have a store, which a) doesn't have it, and b) has sold out of everything else anyway. But you could probably ask:

http://arsenal-nyc.com/

[Daley]

They have a store, which a) doesn't have it, and b) has sold out of everything else anyway. But you could probably ask:

http://arsenal-nyc.com/

[The Fox]

Reckon we're gonna go for the same team as Southampton, only with Diaby in for Coquelin? Or will he go with the same team as Montpellier, with Giroud in for Ox?

[BlinkyBear]

Blinky that beer cooler is awesome I'd like it please.

Very small chance of there being a spare (fella I was with is a Leeds fan and hates The Arse. He grabbed a beer cooler too. I'll ask what he's doing with it).

[Petrousgyre]

Reckon we're gonna go for the same team as Southampton, only with Diaby in for Coquelin? Or will he go with the same team as Montpellier, with Giroud in for Ox?

Ox hasn't exactly bossed it of late - been a bit peripheral at times in that way that younger players do.

[Lucky]

I reckon AW might spring a little suprise and start with Theo.

Diaby, Arteta & Cazola with Gervinho and Theo either side with Podolski up top.

Will be interesting to see if Szczesny is 'still injured' and if Koscielny comes into the side.

[Petrousgyre]

Can't see Wenger dropping Per, he's been our best defender this season. Not sure about Theo either, City don't defend with a high line where he's most effective.

[Daley]

Szczesny is out for 3 weeks.

Edit: I thought I read that yesterday but now I'm not sure.

[Dude Ranch]

Szczesny is out for 3 weeks.

Edit: I thought I read that yesterday but now I'm not sure.

I'd go with Mannone regardless. I don't think he should have been dropped for the Southampton game.

[Lucky]

Per has been excellent this season but I just feel that Kos might be better equipped to deal with Tevez.

With Theo, he might push them back a little when he goes on his runs down a blind alley?

[Daley]

I think the only places up for grabs are the other midfield spot (Arteta and Cazorla (yay I spelt it right) are certs) and the other forward position (Gervinho and Podolski are also certs.)

One of the key ways to teach a defense to be properly organised is to get them to know each other on the pitch and be settled.

While I find it hard to believe our best defender from last year isn't in the team, you can't change the current back four I reckon. I'd play the same team as Tuesday. Giroud is gonna score sooner or later and Diaby if fit adds something nobody else does.

Obviously what you do when Sagna and Wilshere are fit is another story but it will be a nice problem to have.

[wev]

I'm really enjoying having this kind of "problem" to debate rather than what we've had for the past few years.

[Petrousgyre]

Obviously what you do when Sagna and Wilshere are fit is another story but it will be a nice problem to have.

You play Sagna once he's match fit, surely. Jenkisons greatly improved but he's not really been tested yet this season - he's still our biggest defensive liability going into the City game. Sagna's on another level altogether, the best right back in the league for my money.

Wilshere's another story but he's going to need months to get back to speed.

[Dude Ranch]

There's something extremely likeable about Jenkinson though, I really like the thought of having players like him in the team. As you say, Sagna is the better player but Jenkinson hasn't let himself down this season. He looks to have pushed on from last year and will get better with more games.

[Lucky]

I like Jenkinson. He's a more than able deputy for Sagna who will and should of course come straight back into the 11 once fit.

Wilshere should of course eventually also come back into the 11 once fit & has come through a few reserve games. He should start a few 1st team games on the bench and be eased back but he should eventually be a starter.

Could Arteta, Cazorla & Wilshere work as a central 3?

Edit: Not sure where that leaves Diaby but surely Cazorla & Arteta are definite starters.

[Varnsen]

Anyone see this interview with old Jens Lehman?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19682533

My highlight; "I argued with him quite often, particularly when he dropped me."

My favourite Jens era was when he got dropped in favour of Almunia and he was a seething cauldron of indignation to the point where Almunia even came out and said that Lehmann didn't speak to him.

This was also when Almunia said that he thought his house was haunted and him and his wife couldn't get any sleep. Coincidence? I like to imagine that Lehmann launched an involved and persistent psychological campaign of terror against Almunia, that every cross Manuel flapped at was somehow the result of a Jens Lehmann goalkeeping conspiracy, Manuel's pallid complexion worsening by the week as a mysteriously camp German voiced ghost harassed him and his poor wife every night before a game.

I think about Jens way too much.

[Daley]

Yea Sagna's got to play when fit. Best right back in the league in my opinion but I have a real soft spot for Jenkinson. Perfect as cover for Sagna.

Wilshere also probably has to start. Arteta has been so disciplined and Wilshere also keeps his shape well in midfield I don't see a problem with them two starting with Cazorla.

My God that could be some midfield.

[wev]

But Diaby?

[JDubYes]

Team in full: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta (Captain), Diaby, Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski, Gervinho

Substitutes: Martinez, Djourou, Santos, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud.

Okay, that I wasn't expecting; only changes from midweek are Kos for Vermaelen (out through illness) and, rather surprisingly, Rambo in for Giroud. I'm assuming that will mean that Cazorla will be pushed further forward (and/or wide), as there's not enough width (or out-and-out strikers) for that to be a 4-4-2, but I'm still surprised.

Now to try and find a feed that'll work on the Mac, seeing as I can't make it out for it today...

[The Fox]

Is Verm injured then?

edit: ah, ill apparently

[humdrum]

Is Verm injured then?

edit: ah, ill apparently

ill apparently.

[The Fox]

Ramsey wide right to protect Jenkinson?

[humdrum]

Mannone,

Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs,

Cazorla, Arteta (Captain), Diaby, Ramsey, Gervinho

Podolski

I could see us playing 4-5-1 maybe swapping Gervinho for podolski seeing as Wenger has been playing Gervihno though the middle lately.

that or trying to play like spain and not actually have a forward.

[hercules]

Bit worried with this game now after seeing the line up...

[JDubYes]

Sorry, added the Vermaelen/illness bit a bit late...

Guessing it's an attempt to be a bit more solid/steady against a better team than we've played so far this season, though I wouldn't have minded a bit more pace and/or impetus in the side what with Man City not having been exactly rock solid defensively as of late.

[The Fox]

Bit worried with this game now after seeing the line up...

Buh? It's just the same team as Southampton, but with Ramsey in for the Ox (who hasn't been on top form lately), and Kos in for Verm (pretty much a straight swap). Ramsey has played well every time he's come on so far this season and is more tenacious in the tackle than Chamberlain.

I think we'll just line up as normal but with Ramsey on the right. He'll offer good cover for Jenkinson and help us keep the ball when we get the chance. Stick someone like Fenton in there and Jenkinson will get targeted again and again.

[wev]

The mascots are taller than Cazorla (whos stood next to Mertesacker!)

[hercules]

I'd rather giroud personally but I seethe thinking behind it. Just hope it comes off

[Petrousgyre]

Nice touch Gervinho.

[Gotters]

First touch of a rapist