An in-form Arsenal side travel to the Midlands today to take on newly-promoted Wolves at Molineux. The match marks the Gunners’ first visit to the ground since the 2003/04 season, in which Arsene Wenger’s side managed to go through the entire Premiership season undefeated. Arsenal will be the clear favourites heading into today’s clash, running hot from a 3-0 North London Derby victory last weekend and a 4-1 flogging of AZ Alkmaar midweek.
With the likes of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas brimming with confidence, it is obvious that Wolves will have their work cut out for them today. Van Persie has scored in seven times in his last seven league matches, while Fabregas has netted eight goals in just fourteen appearances so far this season. Boss Arsene Wenger has no fresh injury woes to contend with, however a smattering of first team and fringe players have been deemed unfit to play.
Regulars Gael Clichy and Denilson are both sidelined with back injuries, with Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott suffering groin and knee problems respectively. Johan Djourou is also still suffering from a knee complaint, while Armand Traore and Carlos Vela ( both groin) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) remain out. When you look at the personnel at Wenger’s disposal, you would think that the Gunners will line up somewhat like this:
Arshavin – van Persie – Nasri
Diaby – Song – Fabregas
Gibbs – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia
SUBSTITUTES: Mannone, Senderos, Eboue, Eastmond, Ramsey, Merida, Eduardo.
Possible alterations to that line-up include the inclusion of striker Eduardo up front, possibly at the expense of Samir Nasri, or Emmanuel Eboue keeping his place at right back instead of Bacary Sagna. Either way, I think it is far too strong for what Wolves will be able to muster.
Mick McCarthy will be without Chris Iwelumo, after the Scottish striker suffered a recurrence of a previous metatarsal injury. David Jones, Keith Foley and Stephen Ward are also out. Boss McCarthy has vowed not to sit back against Arsenal today, in order to avoid the trap that AZ Alkmaar fell into through the week:
“I won’t be sat with a beer in my hand thinking we just let them roll us over and tickle our belly. I watched AZ Alkmaar and they got slapped completely when playing one up front, sitting back. They got played through, round, over, they just got mullered completely. We will try to play on the front foot.”
While you can’t help but admire the manner in which McCarthy is approaching today’s match, I wonder whether attacking Arsenal is the best way to go about business. While he’s right in not trying to sit back and pass the ball around the defence like AZ, going for the jugular against a side like the Gunners only gives them an opportunity to display the scintillating counter attacks for which they are famous.
I’m predicting a victory today, although not a huge one. The underdog status suits Wolves, and unfortunately the Gunners do have a bit of difficulty motivating themselves against smaller sides. I expect Arsenal’s quality to shine through in the end though, with a 1 or 2-0 victory doing me just fine.
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Smaller side ????
Take a look at your clubs history. I think that you will find that it was two Wolves first team players, temporarily posted to Woolwich Arsenal on National Service who started a works football team – who later went on to become the Arsenal of today. Wolves were one of the original 12 teams in the world. Have played more games, scored more goals, and (arguably) achieved more fame over the years, albeit little of late. OK, you go itno todays game as favourites, but i ask you, are you really confident of victory ?
Smaller side ? THink again…….