Speaking ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s trip to face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, Arsène Wenger has given the latest team and injury news.
With Mikel Arteta sidelined and Abou Diaby apparently not fit enough to start, it is looking very likely that Aaron Ramsey will start alongside Tomas Rosicky in central midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gervinho could also both be in line for starts in the absence of Theo Walcott, who is suffering from a hamstring problem. That is, of course, unless Wenger decides to start with Yossi Benayoun on the wing.
A win tomorrow would heap further pressure on Chelsea and Spurs, who don’t play until Sunday afternoon. Our North London rivals face home games against QPR and Blackburn respectively.
In order to avoid further controversy, the FA has decided that there will be no handshakes at Stamford Bridge as John Terry’s racism trial looms ever closer. Terry is accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in the reverse fixture in October, although I wouldn’t be surprised if new evidence comes to light showing that he also slept with Anton’s wife.
Returning our attention to all things Arsenal, a full match preview including interesting statistics and the predicted starting XI will be published later this evening.
Squad news
“Basically the squad should be similar to what we have seen in the last game. But Yossi Benayoun should be back because he could not play in the last game against Chelsea.”
Tomas Rosicky
“He is alright. He was sick last weekend. I think he pushed himself very hard to get on the pitch but he has recovered since and should be fit for the game.”
Abou Diaby
“He will not start. He was sick until yesterday and had a light session. He could be short again but he could be in the squad.”
Theo Walcott
“Theo is out for Saturday. He has a little chance to catch the last game but not the next two.”
Per Mertesacker
“He is doing well. He is hopeful he will make the Euros and I hope he does. He is doing all his work here and the next two weeks will be vital for him. He has started ball work and he looks quite good.”
Chelsea aren’t our north London rivals….
We are at a point where all the remaining 3 games could/should be won. Knowing Wenger’s weakness under pressure, it will be a miracle if we get to win even one game out of three. As long as Wenger puts Ramsey in the lineup we are doomed to lose. He might want us to believe he does not have other choice, but I disagree, he could play Diaby, Couqulin, even AOX in the the middle with Song and Rosicky, but knowing his stubborn style I do not expect anything good. Sorry, for being so pessimistic, I wish he prove me wrong.
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