Arsenal took on Manchester City at home last night in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. Arsene Wenger made 10 changes from the team that draw 1-1 at home to Fulham in the Premier League last Saturday. The only player to keep his place was Johan Djourou, as plenty of fringe players got a chance to make an impression.
The Arsenal defence had a very strange look to it, as there were no recognised full backs available for selection. It meant the players in front of Lukasz Fabianski consisted of four central defenders. Ignasi Miquel filled in at left back with Djourou on the right, and Laurent Kiscielny and Sebastien Squillaci in the middle.
In midfield both Emmanuel Frimpong and Francis Coquelin played central roles with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yossi Benayoun in the wider positions. It meant Arsenal played a front two of Marouane Chamakh and Park Ju-Young who both had a chance to show they should be next in line to Robin van Persie. It was a little strange to see Arsenal playing in a 4-4-2 formation, but it's not a bad thing that they have that option available to them.
The fans got their chance to pay tribute to Gary Speed before the game, and his name rang out around the stadium.
City included Arsenal old boys Samir Nasri and Kolo Toure in their team, and the Arsenal fans let Nasri know exactly how they felt about him. Wile Toure got the respect an Arsenal legend deserves, Nasri was roundly booed every time he touched the ball. The Arsenal fans were not going to forget the manner of Nasri's exit, or how they felt about his comments about them afterwards.
City played some of their more expensive signings in a team which also showed 10changes from the one that started against Liverpool in their 1-1 draw on Sunday. Samir Nasri was the only exception for them, but he did very little to justify his large transfer fee.
Arsenal were the better team in the first half, and Park had the best chance to score in the 10th minute. Unfortunately his contact from a Coquelin cross was not quite good enough, and the giant Costel Pantilimon in goal for City managed to keep it out. Arsenal came close on one other occasion in the first half when an excellent drive from Chamberlain was pushed away from the top corner by Pantilimon.
City had shown very little in front of goal except for an Adam Johnson shot which clipped the top of the net. They had looked good in possession on occasions, but they showed very little creativity. I thought they would have shown more in attack and taken the game to Arsenal, but they were content to try to play on the break.
The second half didn't contain as much goalmouth action as the first half, but when Arsenal introduced Thomas Vermaelen and Gervinho into the side I hoped they would have enough to get the victory. They gradually seemed to be getting the upper hand, but the game looked to be heading into extra time with no goals scored.
Arsenal won a corner and when the ball was quickly cleared City managed to get their first chance on target in the game. The chance fell to the lethal Sergio Aguero and he made no mistake from just inside the Arsenal box after good work by Eden Dzeko and Johnson. Perhaps one of the Arsenal players should have taken one for the team and stopped the move by earning himself a yellow card before City punished them.
Arsenal brought Andrey Arshavin of for Chamberlain, but he looked well off the pace. They tried in vain to grab an equaliser that would bring the game into extra time, and when Chamakh and Squillaci failed to connect with a Gervinho cross their last chance went.
In the great scheme of things the result counts for very little, and I'm not overly concerned about Arsenal being knocked out of the Carling Cup. It's a competition that cost them dearly last season when their season collapsed after their final defeat to Birmingham City. They are through to the last 16 of the Champions League, fighting to finish in the top four in the Premier League, and the FA Cup starts in five weeks time.
There were quite a few positives on the night with Koscielny showing that he is the best defender at actually defending at the club. In midfield both Coquelin and Frimpong put in excellent displays to show the potential they have, and to show that they are capable of playing right now. Chamberlain was the man of the match in my opinion, and he showed that he too can play a role right now.
The performances of both Park and Chamakh were not what I had hoped for, and they probably won't get another chance until the third round FA Cup game in early January.
Park saw very little of the ball and he will probably be hoping that he scored the early chance that came his way. Besides that chance he didn't contribute an awful lot else, but at least he kept trying.
Chamakh again looked lost at times, and he also seemed to be caught unawares when the ball came to him occasionally. He was coughing a lot and he never stopped clearing his nose which made me think he may not have been well. It's hard to see how he could take over if Robin van Persie was injured, but he is the first choice replacement.
Plenty of Arsenal fans are of the opinion Wenger should buy a striker to act as cover for RVP in the January transfer window, and it's hard to argue with that. With the money Arsenal have available they should be able to get somebody who can come into the team and make an impact.
It's hard to understand how little impact both strikers made last night when they had a chance to stake a place in the team. Other younger and less experienced players took their chance, and showed the manager they are capable of being a part of the team. Maybe both players are resigned to warming the bench as long as RVP is fit, and they don't see the need to try too hard until that changes.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at City's winning goal.
It's not too late to join the almost 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Arsenal's Carling Cup Game With Manchester City Previewed
Arsenal face Manchester City at home tonight in the quarter finals of the Carling Cup. It's a competition which Arsenal came very close to winning last season until disaster struck in the last minute of the final. Arsenal played a mixture of first team and reserve players in the competition last season, but this time around they haven't treated it quite so seriously.
Their victories over Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers were won with teams that were completely different to ones that had played in the Premier League on the weekends before those games. Those victories may not have been overly impressive, but they came at a time when the club were suffering.
Tonight's visitors will probably play a similarly weakened team to Arsenal, but the vast amounts of money they have spent means their squad is very strong. They can field an entirely different starting 11 from the one that drew with Liverpool on Sunday, and still have a team full of internationals.
Arsenal's current defensive injuries mean that they only have one fit full back at the club, and it won't be easy to find two players to play in those positions tonight. The rest of the team should be relatively strong with plenty of promise and experience available to Arsene Wenger. Players like Yossi Benayoun, Marouane Chamakh, Park Ju-Young and Sebastien Squillaci all have loads of experience, and should feature tonight.
Besides them there are the promising talents of Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who should all play along with Lukasz Fabianski. Andrey Arshavin started against Fulham on Sunday, but I have a feeling he will start against City too. It might be a team which is thrown together, but as long as they play as a team they will have a chance of getting a result.
The game could see the return of a couple of ex-Arsenal players, and if Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri play I imagine they will receive very different receptions from the Arsenal fans. Toure was a member of the invincible team of a few years ago, and he won a few trophies at Arsenal. He always gave everything he had when he played for the club, and I was genuinely sad to see him go.
On the other hand Nasri had a good start to last season, but he didn't exactly prove himself at the club. Despite agreeing to sign a new deal at the club he decided he would prefer to join a City team that would pay him a lot more than any other Premier League team can afford. He could have been the player to take Cesc Fabregas' role at Arsenal this season, but instead he left for what he considers to be greener pastures.
His place in the City team is by no means certain, and he is only another player at that club. He could have been so much more at Arsenal, but he chose to move and if it doesn't work out he will have to live with the consequences. I suppose Nasri will be happy to pick up his enormous wages every week, and progression in their career is hardly the most important thing to some players.
Many others have decided to leave Arsenal in the past when the club didn't want to sell them, and quite often they have regretted that decision. I can't tell for sure how things will work out for Nasri, but I do know the Arsenal fans will give him a rough time tonight. He deserves no more than that, and I'll be happy to hear him roundly booed every time he is on the ball.
It's not so easy to predict how the game will go because it's a game between fringe players at both clubs. I'll be happy to get another chance to see Chamberlain show what he can do, as he did against Shrewsbury and Olympiacos. I will also be happy to see Benayoun play, as I feel he's a player who could have a lot to offer the team at times this season.
Mario Balotelli probably would have played for City, but his red card against Liverpool on Sunday has ruled him out. They will still have Eden Dzeko available, and he has been in fine goalscoring form this season.
I think Wenger will decide which team he wants to pick away to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League next Saturday, and then he will pick the team to face City from those who aren't in that 11. It's infinitely more important for Arsenal to beat Wigan than it is for them to beat City, but a win over City would be a great morale booster for the players. I think Arsenal have a chance of winning, but they will probably have to ride their luck just a little on a few occasions.
It would be great if the team could win through to a semi-final, and possibly even the final too. A win in the Carling Cup would help to heal the painful memories of last season's defeat to Birmingham in the final, but progress would also add to an already busy schedule. I won't be overly concerned if Arsenal do go out, but of course I want them to win every single game they play.
I'm predicting a 3-2 win for Arsenal, and I'm hoping for Chamberlain to get a chance to run at the City defence. If he can play like he has done for the England under 21s this season he could cause them some real problems. It would be great to see Chamakh put in a good performance, and score a goal too.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at Chamakh at his best last season.
It's not too late to join the almost 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Their victories over Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers were won with teams that were completely different to ones that had played in the Premier League on the weekends before those games. Those victories may not have been overly impressive, but they came at a time when the club were suffering.
Tonight's visitors will probably play a similarly weakened team to Arsenal, but the vast amounts of money they have spent means their squad is very strong. They can field an entirely different starting 11 from the one that drew with Liverpool on Sunday, and still have a team full of internationals.
Arsenal's current defensive injuries mean that they only have one fit full back at the club, and it won't be easy to find two players to play in those positions tonight. The rest of the team should be relatively strong with plenty of promise and experience available to Arsene Wenger. Players like Yossi Benayoun, Marouane Chamakh, Park Ju-Young and Sebastien Squillaci all have loads of experience, and should feature tonight.
Besides them there are the promising talents of Emmanuel Frimpong, Francis Coquelin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who should all play along with Lukasz Fabianski. Andrey Arshavin started against Fulham on Sunday, but I have a feeling he will start against City too. It might be a team which is thrown together, but as long as they play as a team they will have a chance of getting a result.
The game could see the return of a couple of ex-Arsenal players, and if Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri play I imagine they will receive very different receptions from the Arsenal fans. Toure was a member of the invincible team of a few years ago, and he won a few trophies at Arsenal. He always gave everything he had when he played for the club, and I was genuinely sad to see him go.
On the other hand Nasri had a good start to last season, but he didn't exactly prove himself at the club. Despite agreeing to sign a new deal at the club he decided he would prefer to join a City team that would pay him a lot more than any other Premier League team can afford. He could have been the player to take Cesc Fabregas' role at Arsenal this season, but instead he left for what he considers to be greener pastures.
His place in the City team is by no means certain, and he is only another player at that club. He could have been so much more at Arsenal, but he chose to move and if it doesn't work out he will have to live with the consequences. I suppose Nasri will be happy to pick up his enormous wages every week, and progression in their career is hardly the most important thing to some players.
Many others have decided to leave Arsenal in the past when the club didn't want to sell them, and quite often they have regretted that decision. I can't tell for sure how things will work out for Nasri, but I do know the Arsenal fans will give him a rough time tonight. He deserves no more than that, and I'll be happy to hear him roundly booed every time he is on the ball.
It's not so easy to predict how the game will go because it's a game between fringe players at both clubs. I'll be happy to get another chance to see Chamberlain show what he can do, as he did against Shrewsbury and Olympiacos. I will also be happy to see Benayoun play, as I feel he's a player who could have a lot to offer the team at times this season.
Mario Balotelli probably would have played for City, but his red card against Liverpool on Sunday has ruled him out. They will still have Eden Dzeko available, and he has been in fine goalscoring form this season.
I think Wenger will decide which team he wants to pick away to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League next Saturday, and then he will pick the team to face City from those who aren't in that 11. It's infinitely more important for Arsenal to beat Wigan than it is for them to beat City, but a win over City would be a great morale booster for the players. I think Arsenal have a chance of winning, but they will probably have to ride their luck just a little on a few occasions.
It would be great if the team could win through to a semi-final, and possibly even the final too. A win in the Carling Cup would help to heal the painful memories of last season's defeat to Birmingham in the final, but progress would also add to an already busy schedule. I won't be overly concerned if Arsenal do go out, but of course I want them to win every single game they play.
I'm predicting a 3-2 win for Arsenal, and I'm hoping for Chamberlain to get a chance to run at the City defence. If he can play like he has done for the England under 21s this season he could cause them some real problems. It would be great to see Chamakh put in a good performance, and score a goal too.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at Chamakh at his best last season.
It's not too late to join the almost 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Arsenal Leave It Late To Save A Point Against Fulham
Arsenal went into yesterday's Premier League game at home to Fulham knowing they needed a win to keep pace with both Spurs and Chelsea, and gain some ground on Newcastle and Manchester United. At home to a Fulham team who struggle on the road they were clear favourites, but their midweek Champions League excursions seemed to have taken a lot out of the team physically. In the end they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw, and it has to be seen as a point saved in my opinion.
Arsene Wenger made two changes from the team that beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night to win their Champions League group. Johan Djourou came in at right back for Laurent Koscielny and Andrey Arshavin filled in for Gervinho on the left side of Arsenal's attack.
I thought Arsenal started brightly and had a couple of chances early on, but it soon became clear they weren't going to have things all their own way. Fulham tried to keep things as tight as possible, and put pressure on the Arsenal players in possession. When Fulham did manage to come forward they kept possession well, and Bobby Zamora proved to be a handful for the Arsenal defence.
It was scoreless at half time and Arsenal probably had the best chances to score, but Wojciech Szczesny had to be on his toes on a couple of occasions in the Arsenal goal. Arsenal looked like they needed some fresh impetus in the team, but the same 11 players took the field for the second half. If Arsenal were going to make the breakthrough the most likely man to do so seemed to be Theo Walcott.
I hoped Arsenal would pick up the pace in the second half, but try as they might the players didn't seem to have enough in the tank to put Fulham to the sword. Fulham grew with confidence as the half progressed, and they were the ones to make the breakthrough in the 65th minute. The goal was a little unfortunate for Arsenal, as Thomas Vermaelen put it into his own net.
Wenger made two substitutions almost immediately, as Abu Diaby and Gervinho came on for Per Meretesacker and Aaron Ramsey. They picked the pace up almost immediately, as they went in search of an equaliser. The equaliser eventually came with eight minutes left when Vermaelen got on the end of a great cross by Walcott to head home.
I wasn't at all surprised that Vermaelen was the man to score, as he looked determined to make up for putting the ball into his own net. The own goal was entirely his fault, as Arsenal made too many mistakes in the move that built up to it. The player who played the ball into the Arsenal box was put under no pressure at all, and when it fell to Vermaelen his attempt to clear his lines ended in disaster.
Arsenal never really looked likely to score a winner, but at least they managed to take something from a game which looked almost lost. In similar situations last season Arsenal were unable to undo their bad work when they lost to West Brom and Newcastle at home. A point might not be what Arsenal needed on the day, but it's infinitely superior to no points at all.
The damage a defeat might have done to team confidence is hard to judge, but thankfully the unbeaten run can continue. The next two league games are away to Wigan and at home to Everton, and they're both games that Arsenal can and should win. Six points from those games will leave Arsenal in a very good situation as they head to Manchester City a week before Christmas.
Arsenal's next game is at home to City on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup, and there will probably be wholesale changes for that game. Usually Wenger makes 11 changes from the team which play at the weekend for Carling Cup games, but I can't see where he can get enough defenders to filla back four. I'm sure he will find a team that will be competitive, but City have such a huge squad that it will be a tough game for Arsenal's second string.
The next week should give a few players a chance to recharge their batteries, and hopefully be at their very best to face Wigan next Saturday. Arsenal have six Premier League games in December, but only one of them will be shown live on TV in this part of the world. Thankfully I will get to see one of the other ones in person when I travel to the Emirates for the Everton game on December 10th.
Yesterday's game may have been a little disappointing, but in the greater scheme of things it was only a minor setback. As long as the team can bounce back and start winning games it will have done no harm at all.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of yesterday's game.
It's not too late to join the almost 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Finally for today I cannot go without expressing my sadness at the passing of Gary Speed who was not only a great player in his day but also a true gentleman who always had time for others.I don't know what else I can say, but my thoughts are with his family and friends.
Arsene Wenger made two changes from the team that beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night to win their Champions League group. Johan Djourou came in at right back for Laurent Koscielny and Andrey Arshavin filled in for Gervinho on the left side of Arsenal's attack.
I thought Arsenal started brightly and had a couple of chances early on, but it soon became clear they weren't going to have things all their own way. Fulham tried to keep things as tight as possible, and put pressure on the Arsenal players in possession. When Fulham did manage to come forward they kept possession well, and Bobby Zamora proved to be a handful for the Arsenal defence.
It was scoreless at half time and Arsenal probably had the best chances to score, but Wojciech Szczesny had to be on his toes on a couple of occasions in the Arsenal goal. Arsenal looked like they needed some fresh impetus in the team, but the same 11 players took the field for the second half. If Arsenal were going to make the breakthrough the most likely man to do so seemed to be Theo Walcott.
I hoped Arsenal would pick up the pace in the second half, but try as they might the players didn't seem to have enough in the tank to put Fulham to the sword. Fulham grew with confidence as the half progressed, and they were the ones to make the breakthrough in the 65th minute. The goal was a little unfortunate for Arsenal, as Thomas Vermaelen put it into his own net.
Wenger made two substitutions almost immediately, as Abu Diaby and Gervinho came on for Per Meretesacker and Aaron Ramsey. They picked the pace up almost immediately, as they went in search of an equaliser. The equaliser eventually came with eight minutes left when Vermaelen got on the end of a great cross by Walcott to head home.
I wasn't at all surprised that Vermaelen was the man to score, as he looked determined to make up for putting the ball into his own net. The own goal was entirely his fault, as Arsenal made too many mistakes in the move that built up to it. The player who played the ball into the Arsenal box was put under no pressure at all, and when it fell to Vermaelen his attempt to clear his lines ended in disaster.
Arsenal never really looked likely to score a winner, but at least they managed to take something from a game which looked almost lost. In similar situations last season Arsenal were unable to undo their bad work when they lost to West Brom and Newcastle at home. A point might not be what Arsenal needed on the day, but it's infinitely superior to no points at all.
The damage a defeat might have done to team confidence is hard to judge, but thankfully the unbeaten run can continue. The next two league games are away to Wigan and at home to Everton, and they're both games that Arsenal can and should win. Six points from those games will leave Arsenal in a very good situation as they head to Manchester City a week before Christmas.
Arsenal's next game is at home to City on Tuesday night in the Carling Cup, and there will probably be wholesale changes for that game. Usually Wenger makes 11 changes from the team which play at the weekend for Carling Cup games, but I can't see where he can get enough defenders to filla back four. I'm sure he will find a team that will be competitive, but City have such a huge squad that it will be a tough game for Arsenal's second string.
The next week should give a few players a chance to recharge their batteries, and hopefully be at their very best to face Wigan next Saturday. Arsenal have six Premier League games in December, but only one of them will be shown live on TV in this part of the world. Thankfully I will get to see one of the other ones in person when I travel to the Emirates for the Everton game on December 10th.
Yesterday's game may have been a little disappointing, but in the greater scheme of things it was only a minor setback. As long as the team can bounce back and start winning games it will have done no harm at all.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights of yesterday's game.
It's not too late to join the almost 1,000 other teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Finally for today I cannot go without expressing my sadness at the passing of Gary Speed who was not only a great player in his day but also a true gentleman who always had time for others.I don't know what else I can say, but my thoughts are with his family and friends.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Arsenal's Premier League Game With Fulham Previewed
Arsenal take on Fulham today in the Premier League's evening kick off. There are three teams on a great run at the moment in the Premier League, and Arsenal are one of those teams. Their run of five wins in a row might not be as impressive as the runs both Spurs and Machester City are on, but it's no less impressive in my opinion.
Arsenal's home form has been very good so far this season with five wins out of six games, and their only defeat came in their first home game when they went down to 10 men against Liverpool. Since then they have beaten Swansea, Bolton, Sunderland, Stoke and West Brom, and they have scored 12 goals in the process. Their much maligned defence only conceded two goals in those games too which is quite impressive.
They are playing against a team that have struggled away from home in the Premier League in recent seasons, and have failed to score in four of their six away games so far. They did manage one win on their travels, but that was against the bottom club Wigan Athletic. Fulham have rarely managed to get anything out of their trips to Arsenal in the past, and they will struggle to do so today too.
Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night to win their Champions League group, and they can now rest some of their more regular players in their final group game away to Olympiacos on December 6th. Those players all played against Dortmund on Wednesday night and away to Norwich in the Premier League last Saturday too, and there is a suggestion that some of them will be rested for today's game. I think it's vital for Arsenal to win this game, and if it means they have to play the same strarting 11 again then so be it.
According to the latest team news there were no new injuries picked up on Wednesday night, and Laurent Koscielny was only withdrawn because of fatigue. The defence looked solid on Wednesday night and against Norwich last Saturday too, with the exception of Per Mertesacker's mistake for the Norwich goal. With so few defensive options available to Arsene Wenger because of injuries I think it's crucial that he keeps some consistency in his defence.
As long as Arsenal continue to approach their games in a professional manner they are good enough to keep winning for the next few games. The trip to Manchester City a week before Christmas will be a much tougher test, but that's for a different day. It is vital that Arsenal reach that game with as many points as possible though.
If Arsenal can make as many chances as they did against Norwich last week I think they will win easily, but I expect Fulham to be a lot tighter at the back. It could take a while for the first goal to arrive, but it's Fulham's reaction to going behind that will decide how many goals Arsenal score. That's assuming that Arsenal score first of course, but even if they don't score first I have faith in their ability to come from behind.
In their last two away games they managed to do so against Norwich and Chelsea, and this team are showing more determination and commitment than Arsenal have done for a few years. The last time Arsenal won six league games in a row was two seasons ago, and that run ended after six games. Arsenal have the capability to go into that game against City on the back of eight wins in a row, and if they do so they are bound to be in the top four.
It's hard to look beyond Robin Van Persie scoring for Arsenal today, but I think somebody else might jusy get a goal as well.It's bout time Theo Walcott got himself a goal, and surely Gervinho must put away one of the many chances that have being coming his way in recent games. I would also love to see Mikael Arteta get one of his free kicks just right, as it's a big part of his game.
Arsenal's two goals against Dortmund were from a cross and a corner, and both Walcott and Gervinho are capable of putting good balls in from wide areas. I know they didn't make the goals on Wednesday night, but it's one more worry for opposing teams if Arsenal are scoring from their crosses.
The form of Alex Song, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikael Arteta has been excellent in recent weeks, as Arsenal have shown the strength and leadership which was missing too often in the past few seasons. So many players now seem able to step up and take responsibility, and it has to be a great thing for the team as a whole.
Vermaelen has taken to making fast breaks forward when Arsenal attack, and it's no surprise that he has a goal and an assist in Arsenal's last two home games. His goals were missed when he was out for most of last season, as well as his defensive capabilities of course.
With so much going for this Arsenal team I think they will win today's game 3-1, and RVP will continue his incredible scoring form.
Arsenal will know the results of four of the teams ahead of them before they play, and at least one of them will definitely have dropped points. If Newcastle lose against Manchester United, then Arsenal can go ahead of them as their relentless assault continues.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
Here's a classic goal from Carlos Vela against Fulham a couple of years ago.
See You Tomorrow.
Arsenal's home form has been very good so far this season with five wins out of six games, and their only defeat came in their first home game when they went down to 10 men against Liverpool. Since then they have beaten Swansea, Bolton, Sunderland, Stoke and West Brom, and they have scored 12 goals in the process. Their much maligned defence only conceded two goals in those games too which is quite impressive.
They are playing against a team that have struggled away from home in the Premier League in recent seasons, and have failed to score in four of their six away games so far. They did manage one win on their travels, but that was against the bottom club Wigan Athletic. Fulham have rarely managed to get anything out of their trips to Arsenal in the past, and they will struggle to do so today too.
Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night to win their Champions League group, and they can now rest some of their more regular players in their final group game away to Olympiacos on December 6th. Those players all played against Dortmund on Wednesday night and away to Norwich in the Premier League last Saturday too, and there is a suggestion that some of them will be rested for today's game. I think it's vital for Arsenal to win this game, and if it means they have to play the same strarting 11 again then so be it.
According to the latest team news there were no new injuries picked up on Wednesday night, and Laurent Koscielny was only withdrawn because of fatigue. The defence looked solid on Wednesday night and against Norwich last Saturday too, with the exception of Per Mertesacker's mistake for the Norwich goal. With so few defensive options available to Arsene Wenger because of injuries I think it's crucial that he keeps some consistency in his defence.
As long as Arsenal continue to approach their games in a professional manner they are good enough to keep winning for the next few games. The trip to Manchester City a week before Christmas will be a much tougher test, but that's for a different day. It is vital that Arsenal reach that game with as many points as possible though.
If Arsenal can make as many chances as they did against Norwich last week I think they will win easily, but I expect Fulham to be a lot tighter at the back. It could take a while for the first goal to arrive, but it's Fulham's reaction to going behind that will decide how many goals Arsenal score. That's assuming that Arsenal score first of course, but even if they don't score first I have faith in their ability to come from behind.
In their last two away games they managed to do so against Norwich and Chelsea, and this team are showing more determination and commitment than Arsenal have done for a few years. The last time Arsenal won six league games in a row was two seasons ago, and that run ended after six games. Arsenal have the capability to go into that game against City on the back of eight wins in a row, and if they do so they are bound to be in the top four.
It's hard to look beyond Robin Van Persie scoring for Arsenal today, but I think somebody else might jusy get a goal as well.It's bout time Theo Walcott got himself a goal, and surely Gervinho must put away one of the many chances that have being coming his way in recent games. I would also love to see Mikael Arteta get one of his free kicks just right, as it's a big part of his game.
Arsenal's two goals against Dortmund were from a cross and a corner, and both Walcott and Gervinho are capable of putting good balls in from wide areas. I know they didn't make the goals on Wednesday night, but it's one more worry for opposing teams if Arsenal are scoring from their crosses.
The form of Alex Song, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikael Arteta has been excellent in recent weeks, as Arsenal have shown the strength and leadership which was missing too often in the past few seasons. So many players now seem able to step up and take responsibility, and it has to be a great thing for the team as a whole.
Vermaelen has taken to making fast breaks forward when Arsenal attack, and it's no surprise that he has a goal and an assist in Arsenal's last two home games. His goals were missed when he was out for most of last season, as well as his defensive capabilities of course.
With so much going for this Arsenal team I think they will win today's game 3-1, and RVP will continue his incredible scoring form.
Arsenal will know the results of four of the teams ahead of them before they play, and at least one of them will definitely have dropped points. If Newcastle lose against Manchester United, then Arsenal can go ahead of them as their relentless assault continues.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
Here's a classic goal from Carlos Vela against Fulham a couple of years ago.
See You Tomorrow.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 13
It's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of the upcoming Premier League fixtures. Regular readers will know that I make my predictions weekly, and that I'm also running a predictions league for all who want to enter.
Last week I managed to get two perfect scorelines, four correct outcomes, and four incorrect outcomes. It meant I got a total of 145 points in my predictor league, as I got my banker correct and I moved up to fifth place in my league. I'm still a long way behind the top two, but third place is well within my sights if I can keep up the good work.
Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.
Stoke City Vs Blackburn Rovers
Saturday Nov. 26, 12.45p.m., BST
Stoke have suffered some poor results recently, and it seems they are finding it hard to cope with the pressure of two games a week due to their Europa League commitments. They have taken only four points from their last eight Premier League games, and they need to start winning again. They are usually very solid at home , and they will be looking to beat a team in the relegation zone.
Stoke's recent defensive woes have meant their defenders are not such a good fantasy bet as usual, but Jonathan Walters continues to do very well for them.
Blackburn need to start winning some games very soon as well, or they will have a mountain to climb in the second half of the season. I think they have the ability to catch some of the teams above them, but they need to tighten up in defence. They have scored as many goals as Liverpool so far, but only Bolton have conceded more than them.
As it stands I still think Junior Hoilett is by far the best fantasy bet of all the Blackburn players.
I have a feeling Blackburn will manage to take a point off Stoke.
Prediction 2-2
_______________________________________________________________________________
Bolton Wanderers Vs Everton
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Bolton finally managed a home win in their last home game by beating Stoke 5-0, but their defeat at West Brom last week left them in the relegation zone. They have the worst defence in the league so far, and they have been truly awful at home. Only five teams in the Premier League have scored more goals than them so far this season though, and if they can tighten up at the back they should turn things around.
Both Chris Eagles and Ivan Klasnic are performing very well, and they're both available at a very reasonable price for any fantasy manager.
Everton finally got a win last week after losing five of their previous six games in the Premier League. It wasn't easy for them, but they fully deserved the three points against Wolves. They are still having problems scoring goals, but surely they can do so against the worst defence in the league.
If Everton could keep a few clean sheets their defenders would be much better fantasy buys, as Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines tend to score goals. Besides the two of them Royston Drenthe still looks like a good buy to me.
Both teams could do with a win, but I think the game will end up all square.
Prediction 1-1
_____________________________________________________________________________
Chelsea Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Chelsea have lost two consecutive home games in the Premier League for the first time in nine years, and their defence looks very vulnerable at the moment. Only two teams have conceded more home goals than them so far, and they're both in the relegation zone. If they are going to get back on track they quite simply have to beat Wolves.
Chelsea's best performing fantasy players are the old guard of John Terry and Frank Lampard, but the growing consensus seems to be that it's time to change the guard at Chelsea.
Wolves have taken only four points from their last eight games, and they have slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They will know that Chelsea are vulnerable at the moment, but there will also know that they could face a backlash too. Wolves' inability to score goals is a real problem, and it won't help them against a Chelsea team who still know where the net is.
Jamie O'Hara is suspended for Wolves this week and he's probably the best fantasy buy out of a team who aren't performing very well.
Despite their recent troubles Chelsea will surely have enough to beat Wolves.
Prediction 3-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
Manchester United Vs Newcastle United
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
United have had three consecutive 1-0 wins in the Premier League since their 6-1 mauling by Manchester City. They might have stopped scoring goals as freely as they were a few weeks ago, but they have also managed to stop the rot at the back too. It has to be a little worrying for them that Wayne Rooney hasn't scored in his last seven Premier League games though.
At the moment United's defensive players look like a good fantasy bet with David De Gea, Phil Jones and Patrice Evra all performing well. Besides Rooney's recent slump Nani has also slumped and Javier Hernandez looks to be the current best bet to score a few fantasy points.
Newcastle's great start to the season came to an end when they were beaten by Manchester City last week, but they had their chances in that game. They are in the middle of a tough run of games, and they will do well to still be in the top four after next week's game against Chelsea. No other team in the league has conceded less goals than Newcastle, but that might change very soon.
Newcastle's defenders are probably best avoided for the next week or two, but Ryan Taylor and Tim Krul look like they are good fantasy buys after that. Demba Ba has eight goals so far in the league, but he can be hit and miss, as six of those goals came in two games.
United look like they are still suffering from the City defeat, but they should still win this game.
Prediction: 2-0
______________________________________________________________________________
Norwich City Vs Queens Park Rangers
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Norwich have been impressive so far since their promotion, and if they keep playing the way they have been they have a real chance of staying up. Their defence looks vulnerable in every game, but their never say die attitude is winning them plenty of points. They haven't managed a win in their last four games, but they have every chance of getting something from this game.
Anthony Pilkington is a good fantasy bargain buy, and Steve Morison has scored in each of his last three Premier League games.
QPR are hit and miss away from home with three wins and three defeats so far. Like Norwich they look to have more than enough to stay in the Premier League. A win in this game would leave them in a very healthy position in the league.
Joey Barton is suspended this week, but Heidar Helguson is in good goalscoring form at the moment.
I have a feeling this will end up with the honours even.
Prediction 2-2
______________________________________________________________________________
Sunderland Vs Wigan Athletic
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Sunderland have slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone, and their home form has not been good so far. They will be happy to have Seb Larsson back from suspension, and they have to be favourites to beat the bottom club at home.
Larsson has been their best performer so far, but Stephane Sessegnon has fared well too. I still think Nicklas Bendtner has the ability to do well for Sunderland too.
Wigan are stuck on the bottom of the table with only one point and two goals in six games away from home this season. They conceded an equaliser at home to Blackburn in the 99th minute last week, and they just can't catch a break at the moment. They play good football, but a combination of too few goals scored and too many conceded looks destined to lead to relegation.
Ali Al-Habsi is still performing well in goal for Wigan, and scoring plenty of fantasy points too.
I think Sunderland will get back on track by beating the bottom club, but Wigan won't make it easy.
Prediction 2-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
West Bromwich Albion Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
West Brom welcomed Shane Long back from injury last week, and he scored the winning goal for them against Bolton. Spurs will be a much tougher opponent for them though, and they will have to be at their very best to get anything from this game. They have had a few problems scoring goals this season, but if Long stays fit that should improve.
Chris Brunt and Long are West Brom's best fantasy buys at the moment, but if they continue to be goal shy it might be a better ides to avoid West Brom players.
Spurs are on a great run at the moment, and they're playing some really good football too. Their goal for this season is to finish in the top four, and at the moment it looks to be a real possibility. They have managed four wins in six away games so far, and they have to be favourites to win this game.
Gareth Bale, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are all in great form at the moment with 15 goals and 10 assists between them so far this season, and they are all well worth including in any fantasy team.
I think Spurs will have too much for West Brom and will continue their great run of results with another win.
Prediction: 1-2
______________________________________________________________________________
Arsenal v Fulham
Saturday November 26, 5.30p.m., BST
Arsenal have recovered excellently from their poor start to the season, and they have won their last five Premier League games in a row. Robin Van Persie is in brilliant form for them with 10 goals in their last five league games. They are quickly closing in on the top four, and a win in this game should move them even closer to it.
It's impossible to look beyond Van Persie as the first choice for captain of any fantasy team at the moment as long as Arsenal don't choose to rest him.
Fulham are traditionally poor travelers in the Premier League, and their only win on the road so far was against the bottom club. They have found it hard to score goals with the exception of their 6-0 win over QPR, and they have only three goals in six away games so far.
Mark Schwarzer and Clint Dempsey are Fulham's best fantasy performers at the moment, and they're both worth including in any team.
I think Arsenal will continue their current great run by taking another three points.
Prediction 3-1
_____________________________________________________________________________
Swansea City Vs Aston Villa
Sunday November 27, 1.30p.m., BST
Swansea's have looked very good since promotion, and their home form has been excellent. They lost at home to Manchester United last week, but they were certainly not outplayed. They have only conceded two goals in six home games so far, and they will fancy themselves at home to any team.
Swansea's defenders are doing well this season and Michel Vorm is the star performer for them in goal. Scott Sinclair is also performing well in midfield, as is Danny Graham up front.
I haven't been impressed with Villa so far this season, and I think they could struggle as the season progresses. They haven't managed to win away from home yet, and I think Swansea might give them a lesson in how to pass the ball.
The only Villa player scoring well in the fantasy stakes so far is Gabriel Agbonlahor, and he's still available at a good price.
I think Swansea's home form and style of play should be enough to see them beat Villa.
Prediction 2-0
_______________________________________________________________________________
Liverpool v Manchester City
Sunday November 27, 4p.m., BST
Liverpool might be unbeaten at home in the Premier League, but they have drawn four of their six home games so far. They had a great win away to Chelsea last week, and they need to at least hold City for the good of the league as a whole. It won't be easy for them though, as they have found it tough to score goals this season.
None of the Liverpool players have been outstanding for fantasy managers so far this season, but Jose Reina, Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez have all performed well.
The only league points City have dropped so far this season were when they lost a two goal lead to draw at Fulham. They have being scoring freely away from home and they absolutely thrashed both Spurs and Manchester United on the road. If they can win this game the league looks to be theirs for the taking, but they might have a few doubts after their Champions League troubles in midweek.
The list of City players that should be included in any fantasy team is very long, but it's tough to choose the right ones. Micah Richards, David Silva and Sergio Aguero look to be the best choices for me, but they are plenty of other choices too.
I think Liverpool might just be able to work hard enough to hold City to a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
That's it for today, but as always feel free to tell me where I might have gone right or wrong as the case might be.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Last week I managed to get two perfect scorelines, four correct outcomes, and four incorrect outcomes. It meant I got a total of 145 points in my predictor league, as I got my banker correct and I moved up to fifth place in my league. I'm still a long way behind the top two, but third place is well within my sights if I can keep up the good work.
Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.
| Pos | Player | Week | Total |
| 1 | b_red_devils | 135 | 950 |
| 2 | ahujag | 100 | 810 |
| 3 | GGooner | 130 | 705 |
| 4 | Smashit_Tuckit | 110 | 695 |
| 5 | JamrockRover | 145 | 685 |
| 6 | gooner2194 | 60 | 675 |
| 7 | Rutland Gooner | 210 | 635 |
| 8 | Bradley08 | 165 | 615 |
| 9 | nitin004 | 60 | 605 |
| 10 | lubu722 | 115 | 600 |
Stoke City Vs Blackburn RoversSaturday Nov. 26, 12.45p.m., BST
Stoke have suffered some poor results recently, and it seems they are finding it hard to cope with the pressure of two games a week due to their Europa League commitments. They have taken only four points from their last eight Premier League games, and they need to start winning again. They are usually very solid at home , and they will be looking to beat a team in the relegation zone.
Stoke's recent defensive woes have meant their defenders are not such a good fantasy bet as usual, but Jonathan Walters continues to do very well for them.
Blackburn need to start winning some games very soon as well, or they will have a mountain to climb in the second half of the season. I think they have the ability to catch some of the teams above them, but they need to tighten up in defence. They have scored as many goals as Liverpool so far, but only Bolton have conceded more than them.
As it stands I still think Junior Hoilett is by far the best fantasy bet of all the Blackburn players.
I have a feeling Blackburn will manage to take a point off Stoke.
Prediction 2-2
_______________________________________________________________________________
Bolton Wanderers Vs EvertonSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Bolton finally managed a home win in their last home game by beating Stoke 5-0, but their defeat at West Brom last week left them in the relegation zone. They have the worst defence in the league so far, and they have been truly awful at home. Only five teams in the Premier League have scored more goals than them so far this season though, and if they can tighten up at the back they should turn things around.
Both Chris Eagles and Ivan Klasnic are performing very well, and they're both available at a very reasonable price for any fantasy manager.
Everton finally got a win last week after losing five of their previous six games in the Premier League. It wasn't easy for them, but they fully deserved the three points against Wolves. They are still having problems scoring goals, but surely they can do so against the worst defence in the league.
If Everton could keep a few clean sheets their defenders would be much better fantasy buys, as Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines tend to score goals. Besides the two of them Royston Drenthe still looks like a good buy to me.
Both teams could do with a win, but I think the game will end up all square.
Prediction 1-1
_____________________________________________________________________________
Chelsea Vs Wolverhampton WanderersSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Chelsea have lost two consecutive home games in the Premier League for the first time in nine years, and their defence looks very vulnerable at the moment. Only two teams have conceded more home goals than them so far, and they're both in the relegation zone. If they are going to get back on track they quite simply have to beat Wolves.
Chelsea's best performing fantasy players are the old guard of John Terry and Frank Lampard, but the growing consensus seems to be that it's time to change the guard at Chelsea.
Wolves have taken only four points from their last eight games, and they have slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone. They will know that Chelsea are vulnerable at the moment, but there will also know that they could face a backlash too. Wolves' inability to score goals is a real problem, and it won't help them against a Chelsea team who still know where the net is.
Jamie O'Hara is suspended for Wolves this week and he's probably the best fantasy buy out of a team who aren't performing very well.
Despite their recent troubles Chelsea will surely have enough to beat Wolves.
Prediction 3-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
Manchester United Vs Newcastle UnitedSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
United have had three consecutive 1-0 wins in the Premier League since their 6-1 mauling by Manchester City. They might have stopped scoring goals as freely as they were a few weeks ago, but they have also managed to stop the rot at the back too. It has to be a little worrying for them that Wayne Rooney hasn't scored in his last seven Premier League games though.
At the moment United's defensive players look like a good fantasy bet with David De Gea, Phil Jones and Patrice Evra all performing well. Besides Rooney's recent slump Nani has also slumped and Javier Hernandez looks to be the current best bet to score a few fantasy points.
Newcastle's great start to the season came to an end when they were beaten by Manchester City last week, but they had their chances in that game. They are in the middle of a tough run of games, and they will do well to still be in the top four after next week's game against Chelsea. No other team in the league has conceded less goals than Newcastle, but that might change very soon.
Newcastle's defenders are probably best avoided for the next week or two, but Ryan Taylor and Tim Krul look like they are good fantasy buys after that. Demba Ba has eight goals so far in the league, but he can be hit and miss, as six of those goals came in two games.
United look like they are still suffering from the City defeat, but they should still win this game.
Prediction: 2-0
______________________________________________________________________________
Norwich City Vs Queens Park RangersSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Norwich have been impressive so far since their promotion, and if they keep playing the way they have been they have a real chance of staying up. Their defence looks vulnerable in every game, but their never say die attitude is winning them plenty of points. They haven't managed a win in their last four games, but they have every chance of getting something from this game.
Anthony Pilkington is a good fantasy bargain buy, and Steve Morison has scored in each of his last three Premier League games.
QPR are hit and miss away from home with three wins and three defeats so far. Like Norwich they look to have more than enough to stay in the Premier League. A win in this game would leave them in a very healthy position in the league.
Joey Barton is suspended this week, but Heidar Helguson is in good goalscoring form at the moment.
I have a feeling this will end up with the honours even.
Prediction 2-2
______________________________________________________________________________
Sunderland Vs Wigan AthleticSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
Sunderland have slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone, and their home form has not been good so far. They will be happy to have Seb Larsson back from suspension, and they have to be favourites to beat the bottom club at home.
Larsson has been their best performer so far, but Stephane Sessegnon has fared well too. I still think Nicklas Bendtner has the ability to do well for Sunderland too.
Wigan are stuck on the bottom of the table with only one point and two goals in six games away from home this season. They conceded an equaliser at home to Blackburn in the 99th minute last week, and they just can't catch a break at the moment. They play good football, but a combination of too few goals scored and too many conceded looks destined to lead to relegation.
Ali Al-Habsi is still performing well in goal for Wigan, and scoring plenty of fantasy points too.
I think Sunderland will get back on track by beating the bottom club, but Wigan won't make it easy.
Prediction 2-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
West Bromwich Albion Vs Tottenham HotspurSaturday November 26, 3p.m., BST
West Brom welcomed Shane Long back from injury last week, and he scored the winning goal for them against Bolton. Spurs will be a much tougher opponent for them though, and they will have to be at their very best to get anything from this game. They have had a few problems scoring goals this season, but if Long stays fit that should improve.
Chris Brunt and Long are West Brom's best fantasy buys at the moment, but if they continue to be goal shy it might be a better ides to avoid West Brom players.
Spurs are on a great run at the moment, and they're playing some really good football too. Their goal for this season is to finish in the top four, and at the moment it looks to be a real possibility. They have managed four wins in six away games so far, and they have to be favourites to win this game.
Gareth Bale, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor are all in great form at the moment with 15 goals and 10 assists between them so far this season, and they are all well worth including in any fantasy team.
I think Spurs will have too much for West Brom and will continue their great run of results with another win.
Prediction: 1-2
______________________________________________________________________________
Arsenal v FulhamSaturday November 26, 5.30p.m., BST
Arsenal have recovered excellently from their poor start to the season, and they have won their last five Premier League games in a row. Robin Van Persie is in brilliant form for them with 10 goals in their last five league games. They are quickly closing in on the top four, and a win in this game should move them even closer to it.
It's impossible to look beyond Van Persie as the first choice for captain of any fantasy team at the moment as long as Arsenal don't choose to rest him.
Fulham are traditionally poor travelers in the Premier League, and their only win on the road so far was against the bottom club. They have found it hard to score goals with the exception of their 6-0 win over QPR, and they have only three goals in six away games so far.
Mark Schwarzer and Clint Dempsey are Fulham's best fantasy performers at the moment, and they're both worth including in any team.
I think Arsenal will continue their current great run by taking another three points.
Prediction 3-1
_____________________________________________________________________________
Swansea City Vs Aston VillaSunday November 27, 1.30p.m., BST
Swansea's have looked very good since promotion, and their home form has been excellent. They lost at home to Manchester United last week, but they were certainly not outplayed. They have only conceded two goals in six home games so far, and they will fancy themselves at home to any team.
Swansea's defenders are doing well this season and Michel Vorm is the star performer for them in goal. Scott Sinclair is also performing well in midfield, as is Danny Graham up front.
I haven't been impressed with Villa so far this season, and I think they could struggle as the season progresses. They haven't managed to win away from home yet, and I think Swansea might give them a lesson in how to pass the ball.
The only Villa player scoring well in the fantasy stakes so far is Gabriel Agbonlahor, and he's still available at a good price.
I think Swansea's home form and style of play should be enough to see them beat Villa.
Prediction 2-0
_______________________________________________________________________________
Liverpool v Manchester CitySunday November 27, 4p.m., BST
Liverpool might be unbeaten at home in the Premier League, but they have drawn four of their six home games so far. They had a great win away to Chelsea last week, and they need to at least hold City for the good of the league as a whole. It won't be easy for them though, as they have found it tough to score goals this season.
None of the Liverpool players have been outstanding for fantasy managers so far this season, but Jose Reina, Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez have all performed well.
The only league points City have dropped so far this season were when they lost a two goal lead to draw at Fulham. They have being scoring freely away from home and they absolutely thrashed both Spurs and Manchester United on the road. If they can win this game the league looks to be theirs for the taking, but they might have a few doubts after their Champions League troubles in midweek.
The list of City players that should be included in any fantasy team is very long, but it's tough to choose the right ones. Micah Richards, David Silva and Sergio Aguero look to be the best choices for me, but they are plenty of other choices too.
I think Liverpool might just be able to work hard enough to hold City to a draw.
Prediction: 1-1
_______________________________________________________________________________
That's it for today, but as always feel free to tell me where I might have gone right or wrong as the case might be.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Arsenal Beat Borussia Dortmund To Win Their Champions League Group
Arsenal played the final home game in their Champions League group against Borussia Dortmund last night knowing that a win would qualify them for the knockout stages. If the result of the other game in the group between Marseille and Olympiacos went their way they could even have won the group too. As it turned out both Arsenal and Olympiacos won on the night, and Arsenal won the group with a game in hand.
It means that Arsenal will face a runner up from one of the other groups in the last 16, and they will play the second leg at home too. It won't be an easy task for Arsenal, but at least it gives them a good chance of making the quarter finals and earning some extra money too. I don't think the current Arsenal squad is good enough to win the Champions League, but a trip to the semi-finals isn't beyond them.
Both Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere should be back from injury by that stage, and possibly a new player or two might arrive in January too. Arsenal still have one game left in their group when they travel to Olympiacos in two weeks, but I would imagine Arsene Wenger will play a very different team in that game. The game might not have much meaning for Arsenal, but Olympiacos will need a result to qualify for the last 16 or the Europa League.
On the night Wenger picked the same team that started against Norwich last Saturday, and it's undoubtedly his strongest available team at the moment. Arsenal's next game is at home to Fulham on Saturday evening, and the chances are Wenger will make a few changes for that game. I would like to see Arsenal play their strongest available team in that game too, as the midweek game after that is against Manchester City in the Carling Cup.
The current first choice players will get the night off against City I would imagine, and against Olympiacos too. That should give them plenty of recovery time between games and hopefully help them to continue their current excellent run in the Premier League. The five wins in a row they have achieved have put them right back in the picture for a top four finish, and the Premier League has to be the first priority.
In the game itself Robin Van Persie showed again why is the best player in the Premier League at the moment. His two goals were those of an old fashioned centre forward, but he is anything but one. He drops short to get involved in the play, and he also drifts wide to both sides of the pitch when he feels like it.
He must be a real pain for defenders to mark, and his ability to find space in the opposing penalty area is quite exceptional. His header for his first goal last night was absolutely fantastic, as he hung in the air before getting great power behind the header to beat the keeper. His finish for the second goal was easy, but he had the intelligence to be in the right place at the right time.
Alex Song also had an excellent game, and his run and cross for the first goal was quite magnificent for a player who is more noted for his defensive duties. He held a very tight line in front of the Arsenal defence too, as they rarely looked threatened in the second half in particular.
The second goal came when Thomas Vermaelen headed on a Mikael Arteta corner to give RVP the task of stroking it home, and Vermaelen's ability to make things happen in the opponents penalty area has been missed for most of the last year. His influence on the rest of the defence is becoming more evident with each game since his return from injury.
I was still highly unimpressed by the defensive positioning of Andre Santos at times, as he often looked like he was playing in midfield instead of defence. Both Song and Arteta did a good job of covering for him, but a better team might have exposed his deficiencies more. I know it takes time to get used to the Premier League and the way English football is played, but last night's game was a European one.
While Kieran Gibbs is injured Santos is the only option at left back, but even when he returns his defensive qualities are less than impressive. I would like to see Arsenal sign a left back in the January transfer window who has mastered the art of defending. It can't be too much to ask for, but I just can't see it happening.
With Arsenal already qualified for the knockout stages it should be great to see the other three English teams fight for their place in the last 16. As it stands Manchester City look likely to end up in the Europa League despite their supposed position as the champions elect in the Premier League. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are probably still favourites to progress, but things could get a bit edgy for them and their fans in the last round of games.
Arsenal seem to have come so far from the team that lost 8-2 to United, and if their progress continues the teams above them will gradually fall by the wayside. I expect them to overtake Newcastle very soon and both Liverpool and Chelsea look like they are vulnerable too. After that the fall of Spurs cannot be far off, and United look like they might just have been found out too.
I may be painting a very rosy picture of what the rest of the season holds for Arsenal, but it's impossible not to feel good with how the team are doing at the moment. Hopefully a victory over Fulham will increase that feeling even more, but I suspect the second string will have their work cut out against City a few days later.
I'm traveling over to see Arsenal play Everton on December 10th, and it would be great to see the team going into that game on the back of seven straight Premier League wins. That game is designated for the celebrations of the club's 125th anniversary of it's formation, and it should be a great day.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last night's match.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
It means that Arsenal will face a runner up from one of the other groups in the last 16, and they will play the second leg at home too. It won't be an easy task for Arsenal, but at least it gives them a good chance of making the quarter finals and earning some extra money too. I don't think the current Arsenal squad is good enough to win the Champions League, but a trip to the semi-finals isn't beyond them.
Both Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere should be back from injury by that stage, and possibly a new player or two might arrive in January too. Arsenal still have one game left in their group when they travel to Olympiacos in two weeks, but I would imagine Arsene Wenger will play a very different team in that game. The game might not have much meaning for Arsenal, but Olympiacos will need a result to qualify for the last 16 or the Europa League.
On the night Wenger picked the same team that started against Norwich last Saturday, and it's undoubtedly his strongest available team at the moment. Arsenal's next game is at home to Fulham on Saturday evening, and the chances are Wenger will make a few changes for that game. I would like to see Arsenal play their strongest available team in that game too, as the midweek game after that is against Manchester City in the Carling Cup.
The current first choice players will get the night off against City I would imagine, and against Olympiacos too. That should give them plenty of recovery time between games and hopefully help them to continue their current excellent run in the Premier League. The five wins in a row they have achieved have put them right back in the picture for a top four finish, and the Premier League has to be the first priority.
In the game itself Robin Van Persie showed again why is the best player in the Premier League at the moment. His two goals were those of an old fashioned centre forward, but he is anything but one. He drops short to get involved in the play, and he also drifts wide to both sides of the pitch when he feels like it.
He must be a real pain for defenders to mark, and his ability to find space in the opposing penalty area is quite exceptional. His header for his first goal last night was absolutely fantastic, as he hung in the air before getting great power behind the header to beat the keeper. His finish for the second goal was easy, but he had the intelligence to be in the right place at the right time.
Alex Song also had an excellent game, and his run and cross for the first goal was quite magnificent for a player who is more noted for his defensive duties. He held a very tight line in front of the Arsenal defence too, as they rarely looked threatened in the second half in particular.
The second goal came when Thomas Vermaelen headed on a Mikael Arteta corner to give RVP the task of stroking it home, and Vermaelen's ability to make things happen in the opponents penalty area has been missed for most of the last year. His influence on the rest of the defence is becoming more evident with each game since his return from injury.
I was still highly unimpressed by the defensive positioning of Andre Santos at times, as he often looked like he was playing in midfield instead of defence. Both Song and Arteta did a good job of covering for him, but a better team might have exposed his deficiencies more. I know it takes time to get used to the Premier League and the way English football is played, but last night's game was a European one.
While Kieran Gibbs is injured Santos is the only option at left back, but even when he returns his defensive qualities are less than impressive. I would like to see Arsenal sign a left back in the January transfer window who has mastered the art of defending. It can't be too much to ask for, but I just can't see it happening.
With Arsenal already qualified for the knockout stages it should be great to see the other three English teams fight for their place in the last 16. As it stands Manchester City look likely to end up in the Europa League despite their supposed position as the champions elect in the Premier League. Both Chelsea and Manchester United are probably still favourites to progress, but things could get a bit edgy for them and their fans in the last round of games.
Arsenal seem to have come so far from the team that lost 8-2 to United, and if their progress continues the teams above them will gradually fall by the wayside. I expect them to overtake Newcastle very soon and both Liverpool and Chelsea look like they are vulnerable too. After that the fall of Spurs cannot be far off, and United look like they might just have been found out too.
I may be painting a very rosy picture of what the rest of the season holds for Arsenal, but it's impossible not to feel good with how the team are doing at the moment. Hopefully a victory over Fulham will increase that feeling even more, but I suspect the second string will have their work cut out against City a few days later.
I'm traveling over to see Arsenal play Everton on December 10th, and it would be great to see the team going into that game on the back of seven straight Premier League wins. That game is designated for the celebrations of the club's 125th anniversary of it's formation, and it should be a great day.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from last night's match.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Arsenal's Champons League Game With Borussia Dortmund Previewed
Arsenal face Borussia Dortmund at home tonight in their Champions League group. It's their fifth game of six in the group, and their final home game too. Their task is a pretty simple one, as a win will guarantee their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
A draw wouldn't be a disaster either, as they will probably make it to the last sixteen as long as they don't lose. If they do draw they will qualify for the next round unless Olympiacos win away to Marseille. However, Arsenal do not want to have to go to Olympiacos in two weeks time needing a result to qualify, as it's never an easy place to come away from with any points.
Ideally Arsenal will win tonight, and Olympiacos will take a point from Marseille which would mean Arsenal would win their group. That would give them a tie against a runner-up of one of the other groups in the last 16, and home advantage in the second leg too. It would also mean that Arsenal would avoid Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the last 16, and probably be favourites to make it to the last eight.
In the reverse fixture in September Arsenal led through a Robin Van Persie goal until a wonder strike saved a point for Dortmund in the last minute. Dortmund deserved at least a point from that game, as they were by far the better team in the first half. Arsenal hit them with a sucker blow from RVP, and they then defended a lot better in the second half.
Dortmund have already lost both of their away games in the group, and they quite simply have to win tonight. If they throw too many players forward against Arsenal it could leave them far too open at the back, and they could pay a heavy price. Arsenal may be shipping far too many goals in the Premier League, but they have only conceded twice in four Champions League games.
The early team news from Arsenal is that only Tomas Rosicky will be missing from the squad which won away to Norwich City on Saturday. Abu Diaby will return to the squad for the first time this season following his operation last June. He was meant to be back a lot sooner if memory serves me correctly, but he's a player who has suffered with constant injuries ever since his leg break five years ago.
I can't see Arsene Wenger making any changes from the team which beat Norwich, as it was the strongest team available to him. This game is too important for Wenger to consider rotating his team, and the players have had plenty of time to recover from Saturday's game. The best news of all for Arsenal fans is that Wenger says RVP will play from the start.
The effect of RVP's current goalscoring form on Arsenal's rise up the Premier League table cannot be overestimated. He cannot score those goals without the help of others though, and if Dortmund pay him too much attention those other players are more than capable of making an impact.
Theo Walcott is at his best when the opposition are pushing forward, and he can find space in behind them. I'm hoping for Dortmund to do just that tonight, and I think Walcott will get some goalscoring opportunities if they do. He's due a goal or two and tonight might just be the night for him to cash in.
Dortmund needed a win away to Bayern Munich at the weekend to blow the title race in Germany wide open, and they did just that with a Mario Gotze goal. He's a player Arsenal will have to watch closely tonight, as his ability to pick a pass and score goals is excellent for such a young player. Arsenal will have to keep things as tight as possible at the back and in midfield too, and take the chances which come their way.
Hopefully all the misses against Norwich will have thought the players to be a little more clinical in front of goal and Dortmund will pay the price tonight. I'm predicting a 1-0 win for Arsenal with Walcott getting the deciding goal. I know it's brave to predict a clean sheet for Arsenal, but this isn't the Premier League.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at RVP's goal against Dortmund in September.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
A draw wouldn't be a disaster either, as they will probably make it to the last sixteen as long as they don't lose. If they do draw they will qualify for the next round unless Olympiacos win away to Marseille. However, Arsenal do not want to have to go to Olympiacos in two weeks time needing a result to qualify, as it's never an easy place to come away from with any points.
Ideally Arsenal will win tonight, and Olympiacos will take a point from Marseille which would mean Arsenal would win their group. That would give them a tie against a runner-up of one of the other groups in the last 16, and home advantage in the second leg too. It would also mean that Arsenal would avoid Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the last 16, and probably be favourites to make it to the last eight.
In the reverse fixture in September Arsenal led through a Robin Van Persie goal until a wonder strike saved a point for Dortmund in the last minute. Dortmund deserved at least a point from that game, as they were by far the better team in the first half. Arsenal hit them with a sucker blow from RVP, and they then defended a lot better in the second half.
Dortmund have already lost both of their away games in the group, and they quite simply have to win tonight. If they throw too many players forward against Arsenal it could leave them far too open at the back, and they could pay a heavy price. Arsenal may be shipping far too many goals in the Premier League, but they have only conceded twice in four Champions League games.
The early team news from Arsenal is that only Tomas Rosicky will be missing from the squad which won away to Norwich City on Saturday. Abu Diaby will return to the squad for the first time this season following his operation last June. He was meant to be back a lot sooner if memory serves me correctly, but he's a player who has suffered with constant injuries ever since his leg break five years ago.
I can't see Arsene Wenger making any changes from the team which beat Norwich, as it was the strongest team available to him. This game is too important for Wenger to consider rotating his team, and the players have had plenty of time to recover from Saturday's game. The best news of all for Arsenal fans is that Wenger says RVP will play from the start.
The effect of RVP's current goalscoring form on Arsenal's rise up the Premier League table cannot be overestimated. He cannot score those goals without the help of others though, and if Dortmund pay him too much attention those other players are more than capable of making an impact.
Theo Walcott is at his best when the opposition are pushing forward, and he can find space in behind them. I'm hoping for Dortmund to do just that tonight, and I think Walcott will get some goalscoring opportunities if they do. He's due a goal or two and tonight might just be the night for him to cash in.
Dortmund needed a win away to Bayern Munich at the weekend to blow the title race in Germany wide open, and they did just that with a Mario Gotze goal. He's a player Arsenal will have to watch closely tonight, as his ability to pick a pass and score goals is excellent for such a young player. Arsenal will have to keep things as tight as possible at the back and in midfield too, and take the chances which come their way.
Hopefully all the misses against Norwich will have thought the players to be a little more clinical in front of goal and Dortmund will pay the price tonight. I'm predicting a 1-0 win for Arsenal with Walcott getting the deciding goal. I know it's brave to predict a clean sheet for Arsenal, but this isn't the Premier League.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at RVP's goal against Dortmund in September.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Arsenal Beat Norwich 2-1 To Continue Their Revival
Arsenal went to Norwich in the early kick off on Saturday knowing that they needed a win to put pressure on the teams above them. I had said before the game that Arsenal needed to take their chances to ensure victory, and they just about managed to take enough chances to take all three points. During the first half Arsenal missed so many good chances that I was worried they would pay a price for it later.
When Per Mertesacker made a mess of clearing a long hopeful ball from Norwich in the 16th minute Norwich took their only real chance in the first half and went 1-0 up. Arsenal had played really well before that goal, and opened up the Norwich defence at will. It only took Arsenal 11 minutes to equalise when Robin Van Persie slotted home after some good work by Theo Walcott.
Before that goal Norwich's Russell Martin had cleared off the line to save them on three seperate occasions. The first of those clearances was from a Walcott effort which looked destined for the back of the net. I don't think Martin knew exactly how he managed to put the ball over the bar, and Walcott could have done no more to try to score.
Arsenal's intensity fell off a little after the equaliser, but they still missed a couple of good chances before the break. Arsenal took the lead 14 minutes into the second half when the Aaron Ramsey won the ball in midfield, and the referee played a good advantage after he was dragged down. Alex Song broke clear and played in RVP who chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the corner of the net.
Song had a choice of RVP or Gervinho to play in, but thankfully he chose RVP as Gervinho definitely didn't have his shooting boots on. Both Gervinho and Walcott had a lot of joy in the wide positions, but I'm not quite sure how they ended the game without a goal between them.
Arsenal's inability to finish Norwich off made things a little nervy towards the end, but they held out with relative ease to take all three points. The only real disappointment for me was that Arsenal didn't take the opportunity to increase their goal difference. A few more goals should have been scored, and they would have helped to close the game on the three other teams who are level on points with Arsenal.
Saturday's victory was Arsenal's fifth in a row in the Premier League, and they are right back in the race to finish in a Champions League place. Four of the teams above them played each other this weekend, and next weekend will see more of the same with Manchester United playing Newcastle and Liverpool playing Manchester City too. A win for Arsenal at home to Fulham next Saturday evening could possibly see them move into the top four for the first time this season.
Before that game there's the vital Champions League group game at home to Borussi Dortmund on Wednesday night. Arsenal top the group at the moment, but with Marseille at home to Olympiacos the chances are they will need a victory against Dortmund to stay there going into the last game. It won't be an easy task against a team which won away to Bayern Munich at the weekend to put themselves right back in contention in their defence of their German league title.
The goal was scored by Arsenal target Mario Gotze, and he will be the player to watch on Wednesday night in my opinion. If Arsenal were to directly replace Cesc Fabregas he would be one of the few players possibly capable of filling the role. Arsenal will be trying to sign him in January I'm sure, and his addition to the team could be the factor to push them on to greater things if he arrives.
His addition would give Arsenal some excellent options in midfield with Ramsey, Abu Diaby, Mikael Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere all competing for two places. It's a headache Arsene Wenger would be delighted to have I'm sure, and hopefully he will get the chance in January. If Arsenal can win on Wednesday night and ensure Dortmund cannot qualify for the last 16 it could just be the catalyst Gotze needs to move.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from Saturday's game(with thanks to 101greatgoals)
See You Tomorrow.
When Per Mertesacker made a mess of clearing a long hopeful ball from Norwich in the 16th minute Norwich took their only real chance in the first half and went 1-0 up. Arsenal had played really well before that goal, and opened up the Norwich defence at will. It only took Arsenal 11 minutes to equalise when Robin Van Persie slotted home after some good work by Theo Walcott.
Before that goal Norwich's Russell Martin had cleared off the line to save them on three seperate occasions. The first of those clearances was from a Walcott effort which looked destined for the back of the net. I don't think Martin knew exactly how he managed to put the ball over the bar, and Walcott could have done no more to try to score.
Arsenal's intensity fell off a little after the equaliser, but they still missed a couple of good chances before the break. Arsenal took the lead 14 minutes into the second half when the Aaron Ramsey won the ball in midfield, and the referee played a good advantage after he was dragged down. Alex Song broke clear and played in RVP who chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper into the corner of the net.
Song had a choice of RVP or Gervinho to play in, but thankfully he chose RVP as Gervinho definitely didn't have his shooting boots on. Both Gervinho and Walcott had a lot of joy in the wide positions, but I'm not quite sure how they ended the game without a goal between them.
Arsenal's inability to finish Norwich off made things a little nervy towards the end, but they held out with relative ease to take all three points. The only real disappointment for me was that Arsenal didn't take the opportunity to increase their goal difference. A few more goals should have been scored, and they would have helped to close the game on the three other teams who are level on points with Arsenal.
Saturday's victory was Arsenal's fifth in a row in the Premier League, and they are right back in the race to finish in a Champions League place. Four of the teams above them played each other this weekend, and next weekend will see more of the same with Manchester United playing Newcastle and Liverpool playing Manchester City too. A win for Arsenal at home to Fulham next Saturday evening could possibly see them move into the top four for the first time this season.
Before that game there's the vital Champions League group game at home to Borussi Dortmund on Wednesday night. Arsenal top the group at the moment, but with Marseille at home to Olympiacos the chances are they will need a victory against Dortmund to stay there going into the last game. It won't be an easy task against a team which won away to Bayern Munich at the weekend to put themselves right back in contention in their defence of their German league title.
The goal was scored by Arsenal target Mario Gotze, and he will be the player to watch on Wednesday night in my opinion. If Arsenal were to directly replace Cesc Fabregas he would be one of the few players possibly capable of filling the role. Arsenal will be trying to sign him in January I'm sure, and his addition to the team could be the factor to push them on to greater things if he arrives.
His addition would give Arsenal some excellent options in midfield with Ramsey, Abu Diaby, Mikael Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Jack Wilshere all competing for two places. It's a headache Arsene Wenger would be delighted to have I'm sure, and hopefully he will get the chance in January. If Arsenal can win on Wednesday night and ensure Dortmund cannot qualify for the last 16 it could just be the catalyst Gotze needs to move.
That's it for today.
Here's the highlights from Saturday's game(with thanks to 101greatgoals)
See You Tomorrow.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Arsenal's Premier League Trip To Norwich City Previewed
Arsenal make the relatively short trip to Norwich for the early kick off on Saturday on the back of a good run of form in the Premier League. They have won their last four league games in a row for the first time since March 2010, and their slow start to the season is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
On the face of it Arsenal are in great form, but their confidence is still a little brittle in my opinion. Three of their four wins have been at home, but the other one was the sensational 5-3 victory away to Chelsea. Arsenal's defending on that day was far from ideal, but they attacked with a pace and purpose which has not been seen often enough this season.
The latest injury news from Arsenal would seem to indicate that Carl Jenkinson has picked up a back injury and will be unavailable for a couple of weeks. He has been a little unfortunate so far in his Arsenal career between injuries and suspension, and he won't be happy at missing out on another opportunity to play in the first team. With Bacary Sagna also injured the chances are that Arsene Wenger will pick Johan Djourou at right back, but I would like to see how Laurent Koscielny performs in that position.
If Koscielny was to be chosen at right back it would ease the headache Wenger has in his choice of a central defensive pairing, but i think Djourou will get the nod. It means that Wenger has to decide between Koscielny and Per Mertesacker to partner Thomas Vermaelen in the centre of the defence, and I would again prefer to see Koscielny chosen. I'm not too sure that he will play though, and I have a feeling that Koscielny and Mertesacker will be rotated.
There was also some news from the club that Kieran Gibbs has undergone a procedure which means that Andre Santos is the only fit left back at the moment. Santos has looked good going forward so far, but his defending has left a little to be desired at times. Hopefully the sustained run he will get in the team will help to improve his fitness and get him a little more accustomed to the defensive duties in the Premier League.
I would imagine that the rest of the team will be as it was in the 3-0 victory over West Brom just before the international break. The team were quite impressive in that victory, and the midfield and attacking players on show that day are currently the best options available to the team. As long as Robin Van Persie remains fit it's hard to see any of the other strikers getting more than a few minutes at a time.
That has led to speculation over the future of Marouane Chamakh with the January transfer window rapidly approaching. Chamakh started last season very well when he filled in for the injured RVP and Nicklas Bendtner, but his chances have been limited for almost a year now and he has struggled when he has played. Arsenal got him on a free transfer almost 18 months ago, and they might just be prepared to listen to offers for him.
If Chamakh is sold it should open up the way for Park Ju Young to get more opportunities in the first team, and hopefully he can take those chances if they come his way. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is training with the club at the moment, as his season in America has finished. I'm sure that every single one of Arsenal's attacking players could learn a thing or two by just watching what Henry does in training.
When asked about the possibility of Arsenal signing Henry in the January transfer window Wenger said the thought had not even crossed his mind. I can't see Arsenal wanting to sign Henry, as his best years are behind him and surely he wouldn't be happy with a place on the bench or in the reserves. That might change of course if RVP was to pick up an injury, but that's something that doesn't bear thinking about.
The game with Norwich is definitely one which Arsenal can win, and they need to win it to keep up the pressure on the six teams above them. Four of those teams are playing against each other this weekend, and it will give Arsenal an opportunity to make up ground in their fight for a top four place. I think they will find it hard to catch the two Manchester teams, but the other four teams are well within their reach.
Norwich have been very impressive so far this season since their promotion, and they were unlucky to lose away to both Chelsea and Manchester United. They managed a very good 1-1 at Liverpool a few weeks ago, and Arsenal will underestimate them at their peril. Their biggest problem would seem to be their inability to keep a clean sheet in any of their 11 Premier League games so far.
There are no real stars in the Norwich team, but they have a great work ethic and they all play together as a team. Arsenal will have to work just as hard as Norwich to ensure that they take all three points from this game. If Arsenal can win this game they have the possibility of going on a great run with their next three Premier League games quite winnable too.
I expect Norwich to come at Arsenal knowing that their defence is suspect, and they have conceded more away goals than any other team in the league so far. If Arsenal can hold tight at the back they will get chances against a Norwich team that have only lost at home once so far, and they need to take those chances when they come along. That's where RVP comes in, as he is the leading scorer in the league with 11 goals in 10 starts.
After a slightly slow start to the season he has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks, and there have been suggestions that he is carrying the team on his own. It has to be remembered that the rest of the Arsenal team have scored only two goals less than the whole Liverpool team between them without RVP. After Arsenal's slow start to the season they have really stepped up their goalscoring pace, and RVP is bound to score most of those goals as the focal point of their attack.
I'm predicting a 3-1 win for Arsenal, as it seems foolish to predict a clean sheet for them in any game this season. Their defence has changed on an almost weekly basis due to injuries, and I expect it to improve when the best defenders are all playing together. That should bring the stability that any defence needs, and hopefully it will arrive early in the new year when Sagna returns from his broken leg.
Arsenal will always be a little suspect at the back though, as they play an attacking brand of football, and I would hate to see it any other way. I wouldn't sacrifice trophies for attacking football, but Wenger and Arsenal have shown in the past that the two are not ultimately exclusive. As long as Arsenal continue to play attractive and attacking football and challenge for trophies I believe the majority of their fans will be happy.
It's been a while since I wrote about Arsenal because of a week long trip to Las Vegas, and I can only say that it is a truly magnificent place to visit. Thankfully my trip coincided with an international break, and I didn't miss a single minute of Arsenal action. If I can afford to make the trip again in the future I will have to make sure it's not just by luck that Arsenal don't play while I'm away.
I'll be back on Sunday or possibly even Saturday evening with my usual report on the game against Norwich. After that game the build up to Wednesday night's crucial Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund will begin in earnest. If Arsenal can win that game they will have qualified for the last 16 with a game in hand, and they won't have to go to Greece needing a result in their last game.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at a very good 4-1 win by Arsenal against Norwich a few seasons ago. It includes a hat-trick from a brilliant Arsenal striker, and Arsenal conceding a goal after failing to deal with a set-piece.
See You Tomorrow.
On the face of it Arsenal are in great form, but their confidence is still a little brittle in my opinion. Three of their four wins have been at home, but the other one was the sensational 5-3 victory away to Chelsea. Arsenal's defending on that day was far from ideal, but they attacked with a pace and purpose which has not been seen often enough this season.
The latest injury news from Arsenal would seem to indicate that Carl Jenkinson has picked up a back injury and will be unavailable for a couple of weeks. He has been a little unfortunate so far in his Arsenal career between injuries and suspension, and he won't be happy at missing out on another opportunity to play in the first team. With Bacary Sagna also injured the chances are that Arsene Wenger will pick Johan Djourou at right back, but I would like to see how Laurent Koscielny performs in that position.
If Koscielny was to be chosen at right back it would ease the headache Wenger has in his choice of a central defensive pairing, but i think Djourou will get the nod. It means that Wenger has to decide between Koscielny and Per Mertesacker to partner Thomas Vermaelen in the centre of the defence, and I would again prefer to see Koscielny chosen. I'm not too sure that he will play though, and I have a feeling that Koscielny and Mertesacker will be rotated.
There was also some news from the club that Kieran Gibbs has undergone a procedure which means that Andre Santos is the only fit left back at the moment. Santos has looked good going forward so far, but his defending has left a little to be desired at times. Hopefully the sustained run he will get in the team will help to improve his fitness and get him a little more accustomed to the defensive duties in the Premier League.
I would imagine that the rest of the team will be as it was in the 3-0 victory over West Brom just before the international break. The team were quite impressive in that victory, and the midfield and attacking players on show that day are currently the best options available to the team. As long as Robin Van Persie remains fit it's hard to see any of the other strikers getting more than a few minutes at a time.
That has led to speculation over the future of Marouane Chamakh with the January transfer window rapidly approaching. Chamakh started last season very well when he filled in for the injured RVP and Nicklas Bendtner, but his chances have been limited for almost a year now and he has struggled when he has played. Arsenal got him on a free transfer almost 18 months ago, and they might just be prepared to listen to offers for him.
If Chamakh is sold it should open up the way for Park Ju Young to get more opportunities in the first team, and hopefully he can take those chances if they come his way. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is training with the club at the moment, as his season in America has finished. I'm sure that every single one of Arsenal's attacking players could learn a thing or two by just watching what Henry does in training.
When asked about the possibility of Arsenal signing Henry in the January transfer window Wenger said the thought had not even crossed his mind. I can't see Arsenal wanting to sign Henry, as his best years are behind him and surely he wouldn't be happy with a place on the bench or in the reserves. That might change of course if RVP was to pick up an injury, but that's something that doesn't bear thinking about.
The game with Norwich is definitely one which Arsenal can win, and they need to win it to keep up the pressure on the six teams above them. Four of those teams are playing against each other this weekend, and it will give Arsenal an opportunity to make up ground in their fight for a top four place. I think they will find it hard to catch the two Manchester teams, but the other four teams are well within their reach.
Norwich have been very impressive so far this season since their promotion, and they were unlucky to lose away to both Chelsea and Manchester United. They managed a very good 1-1 at Liverpool a few weeks ago, and Arsenal will underestimate them at their peril. Their biggest problem would seem to be their inability to keep a clean sheet in any of their 11 Premier League games so far.
There are no real stars in the Norwich team, but they have a great work ethic and they all play together as a team. Arsenal will have to work just as hard as Norwich to ensure that they take all three points from this game. If Arsenal can win this game they have the possibility of going on a great run with their next three Premier League games quite winnable too.
I expect Norwich to come at Arsenal knowing that their defence is suspect, and they have conceded more away goals than any other team in the league so far. If Arsenal can hold tight at the back they will get chances against a Norwich team that have only lost at home once so far, and they need to take those chances when they come along. That's where RVP comes in, as he is the leading scorer in the league with 11 goals in 10 starts.
After a slightly slow start to the season he has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks, and there have been suggestions that he is carrying the team on his own. It has to be remembered that the rest of the Arsenal team have scored only two goals less than the whole Liverpool team between them without RVP. After Arsenal's slow start to the season they have really stepped up their goalscoring pace, and RVP is bound to score most of those goals as the focal point of their attack.
I'm predicting a 3-1 win for Arsenal, as it seems foolish to predict a clean sheet for them in any game this season. Their defence has changed on an almost weekly basis due to injuries, and I expect it to improve when the best defenders are all playing together. That should bring the stability that any defence needs, and hopefully it will arrive early in the new year when Sagna returns from his broken leg.
Arsenal will always be a little suspect at the back though, as they play an attacking brand of football, and I would hate to see it any other way. I wouldn't sacrifice trophies for attacking football, but Wenger and Arsenal have shown in the past that the two are not ultimately exclusive. As long as Arsenal continue to play attractive and attacking football and challenge for trophies I believe the majority of their fans will be happy.
It's been a while since I wrote about Arsenal because of a week long trip to Las Vegas, and I can only say that it is a truly magnificent place to visit. Thankfully my trip coincided with an international break, and I didn't miss a single minute of Arsenal action. If I can afford to make the trip again in the future I will have to make sure it's not just by luck that Arsenal don't play while I'm away.
I'll be back on Sunday or possibly even Saturday evening with my usual report on the game against Norwich. After that game the build up to Wednesday night's crucial Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund will begin in earnest. If Arsenal can win that game they will have qualified for the last 16 with a game in hand, and they won't have to go to Greece needing a result in their last game.
That's it for today.
Here's a look at a very good 4-1 win by Arsenal against Norwich a few seasons ago. It includes a hat-trick from a brilliant Arsenal striker, and Arsenal conceding a goal after failing to deal with a set-piece.
See You Tomorrow.
Predictions For Premier League Gameweek 12
It's that time of the week again when I attempt to predict the outcomes of this weekend's Premier League games. I managed to get six correct outcomes and four incorrect the last time out, and hopefully I can improve on that this week.
Thankfully the Premier League is back again after yet another international break, and it's plain sailing from here until the end of the season. There's still 27 rounds of games to go, and plenty of points to be won and lost.
I've being running a predictions league for the second season in a row, and I slipped back to seventh place after last week's results. The league has a new leader after one player managed to score 190 points with his gameweek 11 predictions. Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.
Norwich City Vs. Arsenal
Saturday November 19, 12.45p.m., BST
Norwich have looked very good since their return to the Premier League, and they have only failed to score on two occasions so far this season. However, they have also failed to keep any clean sheets so far which means they have had to score at least twice to win any game. They will see the Arsenal defence as vulnerable, but if they attack Arsenal too much it could cost them dearly.
Anthony Pilkington still appears to be the very best bet of any of the Norwich players for any fantasy manager.
Arsenal have won four Premier League games in a row for the first time since March 2010, and they will be looking to build on that momentum. With four of the teams above them playing each other this week Arsenal will also be looking to move up the table. Only one team has scored more away goals in the league than Arsenal, but no team has conceded more than them which could make for an entertaining game.
Robin Van Persie is an absolute must for any fantasy manager at the moment.
I think Arsenal will have too much firepower for Norwich, and they will win their fifth league game in a row.
Prediction: 1-3
Everton Vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Everton have looked good at times so far this season, but they have now dropped to only one place above the relegation zone. They have lost some very close games, and they need to start winning those games to move back up the table. Their biggest problem still remains their inability to score enough goals, and if they can't start scoring more often their season will be no more than a battle against the drop.
Royston Drenthe has done quite well since arriving at the end of the transfer window, and he looks to be the best bet at Everton for any fantasy manager.
Wolves managed to move out of the drop zone by beating the bottom club in their last game, but they still look like they might struggle this season. They started well, but things have gone wrong since then, and I'm not sure that they have enough to steer clear of the bottom three. They're not scoring many goals either, and they have only scored four times in five away games so far.
I still don't think any Wolves players are setting the world alight, but Stephen Ward is performing well enough to consider as a cheap alternative in any fantasy team.
I think Everton will have enough to beat Wolves, and get themselves into a safer position for the moment at least.
Prediction: 2-0
Manchester City Vs. Newcastle United
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
City are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and they have a 100 percent record at home so far. They are breaking records for goals scored in the league, and it's very hard to see who will stop them at this stage. They have had relatively few injury problems so far this season though, and things might change if their luck with injuries changes.
The list of City players that any fantasy manager should have in their team is huge, but David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Eden Dzeko look to be the best bets.
Newcastle have exceeded all expectations so far this season, and they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after 11 games. They have conceded fewer goals than any other team so far this season, but they will have to be at their defensive best to maintain that record after this game. They will have their work cut out to get anything from this game.
Newcastle have over performed so far and that means Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Tim Krul and Demba Ba have been excellent fantasy points winners. Their upcoming games might change that, and it might possibly be a good time to sell Newcastle players.
I can't see Newcastle having enough to get anything out of this game, but it would be great for them and the league if they did.
Prediction: 3-1
Stoke City Vs. Queens Park Rangers
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Stoke have found it hard to compete in Europe as well as the Premier League this season, and they have suffered after Europa League games in particular. They are second lowest scorers in the league, and their usually strong defence has been found wanting on a few occasions. They are still very hard to beat at home though which should make them favourites to win this game.
Both Asmir Begovic and Jonathan Walters are by far the best fantasy buys of any of the Stoke players so far this season.
QPR were a little lucky to lose to Manchester City in their last game, and they showed some signs that they might have enough to stay in the Premier League. Their problem is still their inability to score goals, and that might not change until they can sign a new striker in the January transfer window.
It's not easy to recommend any QPR players for a fantasy team, but Anton Ferdinand has probably been their best performer so far with Paddy Kenny not too far behind him.
I think Stoke's strength and style of play at home should be enough for them to take all three points.
Prediction 2-0
Sunderland Vs. Fulham
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Sunderland are only a point above the relegation zone with only two wins in their 11 Premier League games so far. They brought in a lot of players in the transfer window, and it's still unclear whether those players will make the team any better than it was last season. If they continue to struggle the pressure on Steve Bruce is bound to grow even more.
Seb Larsson is Sunderland's outstanding fantasy performer so far, but he is suspended for this game.
Fulham are in a similar position to Sunderland in the league, and yet again they are struggling away from home. They did win their last away game against bottom club Wigan, but they have only managed three goals in five away games. Two of those goals were against Wigan, and they need to start scoring more often away from home.
Clint Dempsey is yet again emerging as Fulham's best fantasy player, and Mark Schwarzer isn't doing too badly either.
I have a feeling that Sunderland will struggle to score without Larsson, and Fulham might just sneak a point.
Prediction: 1-1
West Bromwich Albion Vs. Bolton Wanderers
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
West Brom are another team struggling near the wrong end of the table, and their home form is the reason for their current troubles. They are the lowest scorers at home in the Premier League so far this season, and yet again it's an issue which they need to address. The injury to Shane Long is a blow to them after he had looked so good in their early games, and I think they will climb the table when he returns to the team.
Chris Brunt is probably the West Brom player most likely to gain fantasy points at the moment.
Bolton eventually managed their first home points of the season by beating Stoke 5-0 in their last game, but they're still in the relegation zone. They have managed two wins and nine goals in their five away games though, and that might just give them some belief for this game.
Both Chris Eagles and Ivan Klasnic look like the best bets of all the Bolton players, and they're both available at a very good price.
West Brom have only drawn two games so far this season, and Bolton haven't drawn any games which leads me to believe this game might end in a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Wigan Athletic Vs. Blackburn Rovers
Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Wigan have now lost eight Premier League games in a row, and it's hard to see when that run might end. They are a good team to watch, but they don't score enough goals and their defence is error prone too. That combination is a recipe for disaster, but if they are going to turn things around surely a home game against the team directly above is the ideal opportunity.
Ali Al-Habsi is still by far the best fantasy bet of all the Wigan players.
Blackburn are only a point above Wigan with one Premier League win so far, but they have shown some encouraging signs recently. They have been unlucky in recent games, and if they get a little bit of luck I think they might just be able to climb the table. They need to win away to the only team below them though if they are going to get anywhere near the teams directly above them.
Junior Hoilett is beginning to show the form I expected to see from him this season, and he looks like he could be a good fantasy buy.
I think Blackburn might just about shade a real relegation six pointer.
Prediction: 1-2
Swansea City Vs. Manchester United
Saturday November 19, 5.30p.m., BST
Swansea have been great to watch since their promotion from the Championship last summer, and they fully deserve all the plaudits they are receiving. They are unbeaten at home, and they have only conceded one goal in their five home games so far. This will be a really big test for them though, but I'm sure they will give it a go.
Swansea's good defensive record at home has meant Michel Vorm is the highest scoring fantasy goalkeeper so far, but the other Swansea defenders are performing well too. Both Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham are performing pretty well too.
United seem to have gone back to basics since their 6-1 defeat by Manchester City, and they haven't conceded a goal in any competition since that game. They have also stopped scoring at the rate they were at the start of the season, and 1-0 victories are now the order of the day. It has meant their defence is a lot tighter, but the free-flowing attacking football has gone by the wayside.
Wayne Rooney and Nani are United's top scorers so far, but they haven't been doing the business in recent games. At the moment United's defensive players might just be a better bet for any fantasy manager.
I think Swansea will give United a really tough test, but United will take all three points.
Prediction: 1-2
Chelsea Vs. Liverpool
Sunday November 20, 4p.m., BST
Chelsea have won all but one of their home games in the Premier League this season, but they lost that game 5-3 to Arsenal. It was a big blow to them, but a victory over Liverpool would help to restore some of their confidence at least. Their defence certainly isn't as good as it was a few years ago, and if it doesn't improve they will find it hard to try to keep pace with Manchester City.
The best performing fantasy players for Chelsea are the old guard of John Terry and Frank Lampard who are still racking up points no matter what.
Liverpool have taken nine points from their five away games so far, but the opposition were reduced to 10 men in two of those games before Liverpool made the breakthrough. I haven't been overly impressed by them this season, and I can't see them finishing in the top four. The continued injuries to Steven Gerrard aren't helping their cause either.
No Liverpool players are outstanding in fantasy circles, but Jose Reina, Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez are all worth a punt.
I think Chelsea will have too much for a Liverpool team which don't play particularly well, and they should win.
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Aston Villa
Monday November 21, 8p.m., BST
Spurs have taken 22 points from their last eight Premier League games, and they are favourites to finish in the top four this season. They are scoring freely at the moment, and Brad Friedel is performing heroics in goal for them at times too. They have won their last three home games in a row, and they will see this as a great chance to continue that record.
Rafael Van Der Vaart is Spurs' best performing fantasy player so far, and he is being ably assisted by both Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Villa may be in eighth place in the Premier League, but I have been far from impressed with them at times this season. I can't see anything but mid-table obscurity for them, and that might not be enough to keep their new manager Alec McLeish in his job.
Gabriel Agbonlohor and Darren Bent are the best performing Villa players so far, and they are both possibly worth including in any fantasy team.
I think Spurs should have enough to beat a Villa team who still haven't won away from home this season despite drawing four games.
Prediction: 2-0
That's it for this week, but feel free to tell me where I may have gone right or wrong as the case may be.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Thankfully the Premier League is back again after yet another international break, and it's plain sailing from here until the end of the season. There's still 27 rounds of games to go, and plenty of points to be won and lost.
I've being running a predictions league for the second season in a row, and I slipped back to seventh place after last week's results. The league has a new leader after one player managed to score 190 points with his gameweek 11 predictions. Here's a look at how my predictions league stands.
| Pos | Name | Week | Total |
| 1 | b_red_devils | 190 | 815 |
| 2 | ahujag | 35 | 710 |
| 3 | gooner2194 | 115 | 615 |
| 4 | Smashit_Tuckit | 50 | 585 |
| 5 | GGooner | 85 | 575 |
| 6 | nitin004 | 130 | 545 |
| 7 | JamrockRover | 55 | 540 |
| 8 | lubu722 | 70 | 485 |
| 9 | NickHemmings | 140 | 465 |
| 10 | DK1247 | 45 | 455 |
Norwich City Vs. ArsenalSaturday November 19, 12.45p.m., BST
Norwich have looked very good since their return to the Premier League, and they have only failed to score on two occasions so far this season. However, they have also failed to keep any clean sheets so far which means they have had to score at least twice to win any game. They will see the Arsenal defence as vulnerable, but if they attack Arsenal too much it could cost them dearly.
Anthony Pilkington still appears to be the very best bet of any of the Norwich players for any fantasy manager.
Arsenal have won four Premier League games in a row for the first time since March 2010, and they will be looking to build on that momentum. With four of the teams above them playing each other this week Arsenal will also be looking to move up the table. Only one team has scored more away goals in the league than Arsenal, but no team has conceded more than them which could make for an entertaining game.
Robin Van Persie is an absolute must for any fantasy manager at the moment.
I think Arsenal will have too much firepower for Norwich, and they will win their fifth league game in a row.
Prediction: 1-3
Everton Vs. Wolverhampton WanderersSaturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Everton have looked good at times so far this season, but they have now dropped to only one place above the relegation zone. They have lost some very close games, and they need to start winning those games to move back up the table. Their biggest problem still remains their inability to score enough goals, and if they can't start scoring more often their season will be no more than a battle against the drop.
Royston Drenthe has done quite well since arriving at the end of the transfer window, and he looks to be the best bet at Everton for any fantasy manager.
Wolves managed to move out of the drop zone by beating the bottom club in their last game, but they still look like they might struggle this season. They started well, but things have gone wrong since then, and I'm not sure that they have enough to steer clear of the bottom three. They're not scoring many goals either, and they have only scored four times in five away games so far.
I still don't think any Wolves players are setting the world alight, but Stephen Ward is performing well enough to consider as a cheap alternative in any fantasy team.
I think Everton will have enough to beat Wolves, and get themselves into a safer position for the moment at least.
Prediction: 2-0
Manchester City Vs. Newcastle UnitedSaturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
City are five points clear at the top of the Premier League, and they have a 100 percent record at home so far. They are breaking records for goals scored in the league, and it's very hard to see who will stop them at this stage. They have had relatively few injury problems so far this season though, and things might change if their luck with injuries changes.
The list of City players that any fantasy manager should have in their team is huge, but David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Eden Dzeko look to be the best bets.
Newcastle have exceeded all expectations so far this season, and they remain unbeaten in the Premier League after 11 games. They have conceded fewer goals than any other team so far this season, but they will have to be at their defensive best to maintain that record after this game. They will have their work cut out to get anything from this game.
Newcastle have over performed so far and that means Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Tim Krul and Demba Ba have been excellent fantasy points winners. Their upcoming games might change that, and it might possibly be a good time to sell Newcastle players.
I can't see Newcastle having enough to get anything out of this game, but it would be great for them and the league if they did.
Prediction: 3-1
Stoke City Vs. Queens Park RangersSaturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Stoke have found it hard to compete in Europe as well as the Premier League this season, and they have suffered after Europa League games in particular. They are second lowest scorers in the league, and their usually strong defence has been found wanting on a few occasions. They are still very hard to beat at home though which should make them favourites to win this game.
Both Asmir Begovic and Jonathan Walters are by far the best fantasy buys of any of the Stoke players so far this season.
QPR were a little lucky to lose to Manchester City in their last game, and they showed some signs that they might have enough to stay in the Premier League. Their problem is still their inability to score goals, and that might not change until they can sign a new striker in the January transfer window.
It's not easy to recommend any QPR players for a fantasy team, but Anton Ferdinand has probably been their best performer so far with Paddy Kenny not too far behind him.
I think Stoke's strength and style of play at home should be enough for them to take all three points.
Prediction 2-0
Sunderland Vs. Fulham Saturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Sunderland are only a point above the relegation zone with only two wins in their 11 Premier League games so far. They brought in a lot of players in the transfer window, and it's still unclear whether those players will make the team any better than it was last season. If they continue to struggle the pressure on Steve Bruce is bound to grow even more.
Seb Larsson is Sunderland's outstanding fantasy performer so far, but he is suspended for this game.
Fulham are in a similar position to Sunderland in the league, and yet again they are struggling away from home. They did win their last away game against bottom club Wigan, but they have only managed three goals in five away games. Two of those goals were against Wigan, and they need to start scoring more often away from home.
Clint Dempsey is yet again emerging as Fulham's best fantasy player, and Mark Schwarzer isn't doing too badly either.
I have a feeling that Sunderland will struggle to score without Larsson, and Fulham might just sneak a point.
Prediction: 1-1
West Bromwich Albion Vs. Bolton WanderersSaturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
West Brom are another team struggling near the wrong end of the table, and their home form is the reason for their current troubles. They are the lowest scorers at home in the Premier League so far this season, and yet again it's an issue which they need to address. The injury to Shane Long is a blow to them after he had looked so good in their early games, and I think they will climb the table when he returns to the team.
Chris Brunt is probably the West Brom player most likely to gain fantasy points at the moment.
Bolton eventually managed their first home points of the season by beating Stoke 5-0 in their last game, but they're still in the relegation zone. They have managed two wins and nine goals in their five away games though, and that might just give them some belief for this game.
Both Chris Eagles and Ivan Klasnic look like the best bets of all the Bolton players, and they're both available at a very good price.
West Brom have only drawn two games so far this season, and Bolton haven't drawn any games which leads me to believe this game might end in a draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Wigan Athletic Vs. Blackburn RoversSaturday November 19, 3p.m., BST
Wigan have now lost eight Premier League games in a row, and it's hard to see when that run might end. They are a good team to watch, but they don't score enough goals and their defence is error prone too. That combination is a recipe for disaster, but if they are going to turn things around surely a home game against the team directly above is the ideal opportunity.
Ali Al-Habsi is still by far the best fantasy bet of all the Wigan players.
Blackburn are only a point above Wigan with one Premier League win so far, but they have shown some encouraging signs recently. They have been unlucky in recent games, and if they get a little bit of luck I think they might just be able to climb the table. They need to win away to the only team below them though if they are going to get anywhere near the teams directly above them.
Junior Hoilett is beginning to show the form I expected to see from him this season, and he looks like he could be a good fantasy buy.
I think Blackburn might just about shade a real relegation six pointer.
Prediction: 1-2
Swansea City Vs. Manchester United Saturday November 19, 5.30p.m., BST
Swansea have been great to watch since their promotion from the Championship last summer, and they fully deserve all the plaudits they are receiving. They are unbeaten at home, and they have only conceded one goal in their five home games so far. This will be a really big test for them though, but I'm sure they will give it a go.
Swansea's good defensive record at home has meant Michel Vorm is the highest scoring fantasy goalkeeper so far, but the other Swansea defenders are performing well too. Both Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham are performing pretty well too.
United seem to have gone back to basics since their 6-1 defeat by Manchester City, and they haven't conceded a goal in any competition since that game. They have also stopped scoring at the rate they were at the start of the season, and 1-0 victories are now the order of the day. It has meant their defence is a lot tighter, but the free-flowing attacking football has gone by the wayside.
Wayne Rooney and Nani are United's top scorers so far, but they haven't been doing the business in recent games. At the moment United's defensive players might just be a better bet for any fantasy manager.
I think Swansea will give United a really tough test, but United will take all three points.
Prediction: 1-2
Chelsea Vs. Liverpool Sunday November 20, 4p.m., BST
Chelsea have won all but one of their home games in the Premier League this season, but they lost that game 5-3 to Arsenal. It was a big blow to them, but a victory over Liverpool would help to restore some of their confidence at least. Their defence certainly isn't as good as it was a few years ago, and if it doesn't improve they will find it hard to try to keep pace with Manchester City.
The best performing fantasy players for Chelsea are the old guard of John Terry and Frank Lampard who are still racking up points no matter what.
Liverpool have taken nine points from their five away games so far, but the opposition were reduced to 10 men in two of those games before Liverpool made the breakthrough. I haven't been overly impressed by them this season, and I can't see them finishing in the top four. The continued injuries to Steven Gerrard aren't helping their cause either.
No Liverpool players are outstanding in fantasy circles, but Jose Reina, Jose Enrique, Charlie Adam and Luis Suarez are all worth a punt.
I think Chelsea will have too much for a Liverpool team which don't play particularly well, and they should win.
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur Vs. Aston Villa Monday November 21, 8p.m., BST
Spurs have taken 22 points from their last eight Premier League games, and they are favourites to finish in the top four this season. They are scoring freely at the moment, and Brad Friedel is performing heroics in goal for them at times too. They have won their last three home games in a row, and they will see this as a great chance to continue that record.
Rafael Van Der Vaart is Spurs' best performing fantasy player so far, and he is being ably assisted by both Gareth Bale and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Villa may be in eighth place in the Premier League, but I have been far from impressed with them at times this season. I can't see anything but mid-table obscurity for them, and that might not be enough to keep their new manager Alec McLeish in his job.
Gabriel Agbonlohor and Darren Bent are the best performing Villa players so far, and they are both possibly worth including in any fantasy team.
I think Spurs should have enough to beat a Villa team who still haven't won away from home this season despite drawing four games.
Prediction: 2-0
That's it for this week, but feel free to tell me where I may have gone right or wrong as the case may be.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
10 Famous Arsenal Victories On The Road.
Arsenal's 5-3 win away to Chelsea last week was an exceptional performance by the team, and it brought back some memories of some famous victories on the road in the past.
I've been an Arsenal fan for a long time now, and I can remember seeing them win at some of the most intimidating venues in England and Europe too. They have gone to the grounds of some of their biggest rivals and produced results to win some big games and some trophies too.
I'll attempt to list 10 of those games that stand out in my memory, and hopefully the memories of other Arsenal fans too.
Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal had never won the double before 1971, but they had a chance to emulate the achievement of Spurs 10 years earlier. Their final league game of the season was away to their closest rivals on May 3rd, and Arsenal need a 0-0 draw or a win to clinch the league title.
The Arsenal team of 1971 were noted for their defensive solidity and effectiveness, but they didn't have an awful lot of flair. The game looked to be heading for the goalless result that Arsenal required until Ray Kennedy popped up to put Arsenal ahead with three minutes left. The Spurs then threw everything forward knowing that a goal would hand the title to Leeds United, but Arsenal held out.
Arsenal went on to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup final and emulate the achievement of their near neighbours, but they have of course managed it twice more since then. The Spurs have languished among the ranks of the also-rans since that day, as Arsenal have gone on to cement their place as one of the top clubs in England and the world too.
Juventus 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal won the FA Cup in 1979, and they qualified for the European Cup Winners Cup for the next season. They progressed all the way to the semifinal, and they drew Italian giants Juventus in that tie. The first leg was at Highbury, and it ended 1-1 with Juventus taking a precious away goal back to Italy with them.
At that time, Italian teams were masters of defensive strategy and Arsenal's chances of getting a result in Italy seemed very slim. The game seemed destined for the 0-0 draw that would put Juventus through to the final until young Paul Vassen intervened in the very last minute to earn Arsenal a sensational win. They went on to lose the final to Valencia on penalties, but they were the first English club ever to win away to Juventus.
Vassen's career was short-lived, as he suffered a bad knee injury and he had to retire in 1983 at the tender age of 23. After that he slowly descended into a life of drug addiction and crime before he was found dead at the age of only 39 in his flat in Bristol. A career which promised so much had been cut short, but he will always be fondly remembered by Arsenal fans.
I can still remember to this day listening to that game live on the crackling radio, and jumping for joy when Vassen became my new hero even though he was only four years older than me. It seemed like the start of a dream career that every young fan wishes upon himself, but sadly clubs didn't look out for the welfare of ex players in those days. May he rest in peace, and he will always have a place in my heart.
Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal had fought with Liverpool all through the 1988/89 season for the First Division title, and it all came down to the final game of the season. Arsenal traveled to Liverpool on a Friday night for that game in a rearranged fixture after the turmoil caused by the Hillsborough disaster. Their task on the night was very simple, as they had to win by two goals to win their first title since 1971 at the expense of Liverpool.
Liverpool had dominated English football for well over a decade and Anfield was a fortress that was seldom breached by opposing teams. As the game progressed, Arsenal gradually started to commit more men forward, and Alan Smith scored a goal to give them some hope. That meant they just needed to score once more to take the title by the closest of margins.
The game entered its final minute with Arsenal still needing that goal, and they broke quickly from defense. Michael Thomas raced on to a through ball, and after getting a lucky bounce off a defender's leg he had only the keeper to beat. Arsenal fans everywhere held their breath, and Thomas fired the ball past Bruce Grobbelar to clinch the title for Arsenal.
That moment will remain forever in the hearts and minds of Arsenal fans, as possibly the club's finest moment.
Standard Liege 0-7 Arsenal
Arsenal won the FA Cup and League Cup double in 1993, and qualified for the 1994 Cup Winners Cup. In the last 16 they drew Belgian side Standard Liege, and they won the home leg 3-0. They went to Belgium with a healthy lead, and they were clear favourites to progress to the next round.
Arsenal left their star striker Ian Wright out of the team, as he was one yellow card away from a suspension, but it didn't matter very much in the end. Standard may not have been the greatest opposition in the world, but Arsenal absolutely tore them apart as they won 7-0. That Arsenal team were not noted for their flair, but they showed that they were more than capable of turning on the style.
Arsenal went on to win the Cup Winners Cup that season with an Alan Smith goal in the final against Italian side Parma.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Manchester United were the undisputed kings of the Premier League when Arsene Wenger began his first full season in charge of Arsenal in the 1997/98 season. United had built up a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the table when Arsenal came to visit them in March. Arsenal had three games in hand on United, and they knew a victory would put them right back in the title race.
Arsenal defended resolutely on the day, and Marc Overmars was a constant threat to United on the break. With just over 10 minutes to go, Overmars broke clear yet again, and this time he managed to put the ball beyond Peter Schmeichel in the United goal. Arsenal held out for the win and suddenly the title race was wide open again.
Arsenal went from strength to strength after that game and they clinched the league title for the first time under Wenger. They won 13 games in a row and United were simply unable to keep up with the pace they set. They then added the FA Cup to their league title with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United for the second domestic double in their history.
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal won the FA Cup final on May 4th 2002, and they traveled to Manchester United four days later needing a win or a draw to complete their third domestic double. Even if Arsenal didn't get the result they wanted, they had another game afterwards to claim the title, but they knew they could claim the glory that night. It was a glorious opportunity to claim their third domestic double, and again knock United from their lofty perch in English football.
Arsenal had won their previous 11 league games and they were by far the best team in the Premier League that season. Ten minutes into the second half, Sylvan Wiltord scored the goal Arsenal needed after a great break from Freddie Ljungberg, and Arsenal won the title on the ground of their closest competitors yet again. Arsenal went on to win their final game to finish the season with 13 straight league wins.
They also managed to complete their entire away programme unbeaten, and that was an indication of what was to come two seasons later.
Inter Milan 1-5 Arsenal
Arsenal had lost 3-0 at home to Inter Milan in their Champions League group in 2003, and they headed to the San Siro for the reverse fixture needing a win to have any chance of progressing. It wasn't going to be an easy task against an Inter team which had won so comprehensively at Highbury, but Arsenal were more than up to the task.
Arsenal had taken only one point from their first three group games, but they had managed to get a very late winner against Dynamo Kiev in their previous game to give them hope in the group. They took the lead against Inter, but the sides were level at halftime and Arsenal desperately needed the win. Arsenal went up 2-1 in the second half, and Inter pushed men forward to try to get an equaliser.
As Inter committed more men forward, Arsenal picked them off three times on the break in the final minutes, and ran out 5-1 winners. It was a glorious night for the traveling Arsenal fans, and the team went on to win their last group game and finish on top of their group.
Unfortunately they went out to Chelsea in the quarter finals, and finished the season with the Premier League as their only trophy.
Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal traveled to Real Madrid in February 2006 for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. They had been struggling in the Premier League that season, but their European form was a lot better. No English team had ever managed to win away to Real Madrid though, and the task ahead of Arsenal was huge.
They played very well on the night, and very early in the second half a piece of individual brilliance from Thierry Henry gave them the lead. Arsenal defended very well for the rest of the game, and took a valuable 1-0 lead back to London for the second leg. They managed to hold Madrid to a scoreless draw in the second leg, and went all the way to the final before losing to Barcelona.
The win in Madrid was a fantastic result for an Arsenal team which struggled domestically that season, and it was yet another night for their traveling fans to fondly remember.
AC Milan 0-1 Arsenal
In early March 2008, Arsenal traveled to AC Milan for the second leg of their Champions League tie with a place in the quarter finals as the prize for the winner. Holders Milan had managed to get a 0-0 draw away to Arsenal, and they were clear favourites to progress to the next round.
Milan had never lost at home to an English club in European competition, and Arsenal were going to have to do an awful lot to change that statistic.
Arsenal played very well on the night, but the goal they wanted seemed to be eluding them as the game went into the last 10 minutes. With just over five minutes to go, Cesc Fabregas unleashed a long-range effort which flew into the net, and suddenly Arsenal were on their way through to the next round. Emmanuel Adebayor added a second goal late to give Arsenal a richly deserved 2-0 win.
Arsenal went out to Liverpool in the next round in controversial circumstances, and a season which promised so much ended up with no trophies for them. They did have the glory of winning away to Milan for their traveling fans to boast about though, but it was scant consolation.
Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal
Arsenal traveled to Chelsea last week knowing that they had to take three points to continue their revival after a poor start to the season. It wasn't going to be an easy task for them against a Chelsea team who had won all four of their home games in the Premier League. Arsenal had only taken one point in their four away games, and they had conceded 14 goals too.
In a game where both teams forgot the art of defending, Arsenal ran out 5-3 winners with a hat trick from star striker Robin Van Persie. The ease at which they opened up the Chelsea defence was quite amazing, and the win brought Arsenal back to within three points of third place in the Premier League.
There is still a long way for them to go this season, but if they can build on that performance they could just end up finishing a lot higher than they are expected to.
That's it for today.
It's not too late to join the over 900 teams in my fantasy league, and there are prizes for the top three teams at the end of the season. Just go to the site and use the code 125540-42785 to join my league when your team is set up.
To join the predictions league, just go to the site and set up your predictions. Then use the code F688F-JCO to join my league. I'll update the league table in my predictions every week.
Don't forget you can follow me on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, too.
I'm also a member of a very good and very active Arsenal group on Facebook which you can join here.
See You Tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)