Home comforts

Morning all

So, we are back in action after what felt like an eternity in the dross of the international break. First we have Birmingham, at the Emirates.

Some say they are a bogey team of sorts, and I'd tend to agree on one condition; they are hard to beat at St Andrews.

I believe we have a great record versus Birmingham at home, and I expect this to continue. After our last home outing (a 3-2 defeat at the hands of West Brom) the lads are going to want to shine.

Team news; all a bit confusing regarding the fitness of Cesc. Only just short for the game at Chelsea, two weeks later is still somewhat short of first team action. With two important games coming up (Shakhtar and Man City) I feel Arsene isn't wanting to risk our captain. And rightly so, given our dreadful injury woes.

Good news though, and the return to first team football for Nicklas Bendtner, who I and many others feel will raise his game due to the rise of Marouane Chamakh. Kieran Gibbs is also back, and I'm tipping him to start. Add that to the fact Theo Walcott could be involved, things are looking good.

With Cesc almost back, and Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen somewhere nearer a return, our squad is looking very good.

One thing that does worry me, is the goalkeeping issue. What does Wenger do next? Does he stick by Fabianski? Or does he chuck Almunia back in? It's a hard one to call, and because we're seeing what Fabianski can do, I'm obliged to leave him in. What Lukasz needs are a run of games, and why not stick with him while he's playing well, with confidence. This means Almunia back on the bench, but I believe this is his last season with the Arsenal and longer term, Fabianski is the option.

Won't be posting tomorrow due to football and drinking commitments, but Sunday is a possibility if fit and ready!

Thanks for reading, have a good and alcohol filled weekend!