Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2012 22:31:09 GMT 1
The Toon head off down to the smoke again this Monday for an evening fixture against The Gooners at the Emirates stadium.
The Narf Londoners are on a roll at the moment and the Champions League result in mid week against AC Milan shut plenty of their critics up big time. Arsene Whinger and his players have really come in for some stick this season, but almost pulling that tie out of the fire against the Italian champions has rekindled some belief among their supporters.
They have also turned things around in the league with back to back wins against local rivals The Spuds and Liverpool at Anfield, albeit with the help of some good fortune on Mersyside. Those two victories mean the Gooners are back in contention to secure an automatic Champions league qualification spot.
Rosicky is now showing his worth again while Robin van Persie just continues to amaze with his sublime form. In a somewhat shaky defense Koscielny is starting to standout and may become the leader the side so desperately needs at times. I also expect both Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to start this game with Whinger opting for the young England under 21 ahead of Gervinho.
Despite The Toons recent record against Arsenal I reckon they are going to be really up against it come Monday. During recent games the back four have looked anything but convincing, leaking 8 goals in their last 3 matches. Certainly during the last two home games they appeared to have not recovered from the 5-0 drubbing away at White Hart Lane. The major saving grace being neither was lost as both ended in stalemate.
I would like to see The Toon really go for the points this time rather than try to contain the opposition. Let's give them something to worry about as I'm doubtful we will prevent them from scoring. May as well be beaten 3 - 2 than get clobbered 5- 0 again without ever getting a shot on target. On that basis I would start Hatem Ben Arfa on the right side. If Apee wants Raylor in the side then drop him into the Left Back spot and have Santon on the bench. It's a gamble as Walcott will probably play down the right for them. Although if Jonas does his usual defensive duties it may work for The Lads.
For the Gooners Diaby, Squillaci, Coquelin, Mertesacker and Wilshere are all out with some of them still a long way off making a come back. Benayoun, Arteta, Ramsey and Andre Santos, the Brazilian left-back, who was out for nearly 3 months due to an ankle injury, are all available for selection again.
Whinger will probably play his usual 4-2-3-1 formation against The Toon and I don't expect to see many changes from the side that took to the field against AC Milan, other than the possible return of Mikel Arteta.
For Newcastle Peter Lovenkrands joins the other wounded and is set to miss the remainder of the season with a thigh muscle strain. Other than this, there are no new injury worries for the Mags.
When the sides met at St. James’ Park in the opening game of the season, the Magpies used a 4-4-1-1 formation. However APee strongly believes in 4-4-2 although personally I would like to see us give 4-3-3 a try. That said should Stroller start ahead of Cisse then the former will probably be the option taken.
The outcome of this game may also rest in the hands of Tim Krul, who has been in superb form this season, as he will have the task of preventing Van Persie from adding to his goal tally. It will be interesting to see if Raylor does come into the back four or whether Pardew sticks with Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini and Santon. Cabaye and Mr T. will battle it out in midfield with Jonás Gutiérrez on the left-wing. I reckon Ryan Taylor will feature it's just a matter of where he ends up playing. Raylor has been The Toon's utility man this season, featuring at left back, right back, centre back and in midfield.
Despite BA being fit and available, Raylor has been given the manager's nod in the last two matches, which I believe has more to do with him tracking back and helping out Simpson in defense than his attacking qualities.
I only hope The Mags play more as a cohesive unit and possibly a bit deeper than they have done in some games this season. The idea of them pushing up high leaving big gaps for Arsenal’s speed merchants to exploit the space behind opponent’s just doesn't bare thinking about. Either way Gutierrez and Raylor will have to help out significantly, to keep Chamberlain and Walcott quite. Our hopes may also rely heavily upon how well Tiote does in midfield against playmakers Rosicky and Arteta. Meantime let's not forget Arsenal’s defense is anything but stable in the league, and in Ba The Toon have a striker who can certainly cause problems. He may just surprise them with a goal or two.
I will take the draw now if offered, but reckon it will need to be earned....................what do you think will happen?
CWL
The Narf Londoners are on a roll at the moment and the Champions League result in mid week against AC Milan shut plenty of their critics up big time. Arsene Whinger and his players have really come in for some stick this season, but almost pulling that tie out of the fire against the Italian champions has rekindled some belief among their supporters.
They have also turned things around in the league with back to back wins against local rivals The Spuds and Liverpool at Anfield, albeit with the help of some good fortune on Mersyside. Those two victories mean the Gooners are back in contention to secure an automatic Champions league qualification spot.
Rosicky is now showing his worth again while Robin van Persie just continues to amaze with his sublime form. In a somewhat shaky defense Koscielny is starting to standout and may become the leader the side so desperately needs at times. I also expect both Walcott and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to start this game with Whinger opting for the young England under 21 ahead of Gervinho.
Despite The Toons recent record against Arsenal I reckon they are going to be really up against it come Monday. During recent games the back four have looked anything but convincing, leaking 8 goals in their last 3 matches. Certainly during the last two home games they appeared to have not recovered from the 5-0 drubbing away at White Hart Lane. The major saving grace being neither was lost as both ended in stalemate.
I would like to see The Toon really go for the points this time rather than try to contain the opposition. Let's give them something to worry about as I'm doubtful we will prevent them from scoring. May as well be beaten 3 - 2 than get clobbered 5- 0 again without ever getting a shot on target. On that basis I would start Hatem Ben Arfa on the right side. If Apee wants Raylor in the side then drop him into the Left Back spot and have Santon on the bench. It's a gamble as Walcott will probably play down the right for them. Although if Jonas does his usual defensive duties it may work for The Lads.
For the Gooners Diaby, Squillaci, Coquelin, Mertesacker and Wilshere are all out with some of them still a long way off making a come back. Benayoun, Arteta, Ramsey and Andre Santos, the Brazilian left-back, who was out for nearly 3 months due to an ankle injury, are all available for selection again.
Whinger will probably play his usual 4-2-3-1 formation against The Toon and I don't expect to see many changes from the side that took to the field against AC Milan, other than the possible return of Mikel Arteta.
For Newcastle Peter Lovenkrands joins the other wounded and is set to miss the remainder of the season with a thigh muscle strain. Other than this, there are no new injury worries for the Mags.
When the sides met at St. James’ Park in the opening game of the season, the Magpies used a 4-4-1-1 formation. However APee strongly believes in 4-4-2 although personally I would like to see us give 4-3-3 a try. That said should Stroller start ahead of Cisse then the former will probably be the option taken.
The outcome of this game may also rest in the hands of Tim Krul, who has been in superb form this season, as he will have the task of preventing Van Persie from adding to his goal tally. It will be interesting to see if Raylor does come into the back four or whether Pardew sticks with Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini and Santon. Cabaye and Mr T. will battle it out in midfield with Jonás Gutiérrez on the left-wing. I reckon Ryan Taylor will feature it's just a matter of where he ends up playing. Raylor has been The Toon's utility man this season, featuring at left back, right back, centre back and in midfield.
Despite BA being fit and available, Raylor has been given the manager's nod in the last two matches, which I believe has more to do with him tracking back and helping out Simpson in defense than his attacking qualities.
I only hope The Mags play more as a cohesive unit and possibly a bit deeper than they have done in some games this season. The idea of them pushing up high leaving big gaps for Arsenal’s speed merchants to exploit the space behind opponent’s just doesn't bare thinking about. Either way Gutierrez and Raylor will have to help out significantly, to keep Chamberlain and Walcott quite. Our hopes may also rely heavily upon how well Tiote does in midfield against playmakers Rosicky and Arteta. Meantime let's not forget Arsenal’s defense is anything but stable in the league, and in Ba The Toon have a striker who can certainly cause problems. He may just surprise them with a goal or two.
I will take the draw now if offered, but reckon it will need to be earned....................what do you think will happen?
CWL
