So back to the Emirates it is, and before last Saturday I felt we had a relatively easy task going into tomorrows game. As it happens, Blackpool thumped Wigan 4 - 0 at the JJB or whatever their stadium is named nowadays, going into their next game full of confidence.
Blackpool's manager, Ian Holloway, fully deserves his place in the Premiership, top manager and top bloke. I'm intrigued to see how he lines his team up. I'm hoping he doesn't follow the route of Sam Allardyce etc and park the proverbial bus. Being early in the season, he can take heed from Phil Brown where he set his team up man to man to outplay us, and shocked the Emirates into a 2-1 away win. Hull won plenty of admirers that day, and Holloway would do well to get the same.
Anyway, going onto the Arsenal...
As you'd expect, what with it being only 1 game into the season, we have a wealthy selection of injuries. Samir Nasri is out for a month, Frimpong out for 9, followed by the usual crocks in Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson.
With the reserves competing in the Platinum One challenge, the squad is looking a little bare for my liking so early on in the season. I don't expect Cesc Fabregas to start, had it been a top four team we were playing I wouldn't be surprised in seeing him start. All due respect, I believe we will beat Blackpool without our main man playing the majority of the game.
Likewise, I would be surprised in seeing Robin van Persie starting. Expect him to be brought back gradually, we all know how fragile the guy is!
I think Tomas Rosicky will most likely replace Samir Nasri, with the same ''holding midfielders'' that started Anfield in Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby keeping their places. This means Alex Song dropping into centre half alongside Thomas Vermaelen. I can see a change in full backs also. With Kieran Gibbs getting a start, and as Emmanuel Eboue contributes more, expect the goal machine to start at right back. In between the sticks, sadly you know the rest. But let's get behind him, he needs all the support he can get!
Upfront, Marouane Chamakh should lead the line, being flanked by Theo Walcott and Andrey Arshavin. With Chamakhs strength and height, plenty of pace will be offered by the two wide men.
Cescy Boy's Predicted Line-up
Almunia
Eboue Song Vermaelen Gibbs
Rosicky Diaby Wilshere
Walcott Chamakh Arshavin
Arsenal: Theo Walcott
The pacy winger has had plenty of critics over the past season, unjustified I felt. But his cameo at Anfield followed a very promising showing at Wembley for the national team. Expect an excellent, coming-of-age season from the young man.
Blackpool: Charlie Adam
The set piece specialist is a threat to our defence. Has a cultured left foot. And with Marlon Harewood leading the line, Adam has a big target to aim for.
CescyBoys' score prediction
Arsenal 4 - 0 Blackpool
Chamakh
Walcott
Rosicky
Vermaelen
Expecting an excellent day tomorrow, with the Blackpool fans bringing a certain flair to the Emirates. Whatever the scoreline, they should be proud of their boys achievements over the last year. Sadly for them, I feel our boys will bring them crashing back to earth.
Come on you gooners!!
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