Arsenal meet Blackpool at the Emirates: 10:00 AM (EST) ESPN2
Ian Holloway may or may not treat us to some new throwaway line but his side, Blackpool is coming to the Emirates riding the momentum of a 4-0 spanking of Wigan. It has been a roller coaster off the pitch though, with their chairman Karl Oyston resigning and facing bankruptcy charges.
Past statistics favour the Gunners overwhelmingly but it should not be used as a prop by some players not to show up.
Marouane Chamakh has to demonstrate more alacrity and RVP, a surer touch. Then there is Arshavin – capable of so much destruction but right now in a terrible funk, whether it is mental or a lingering effect of his injuries. The enduring mystery of Carlos Vela continues – what are Wenger’s plans for him?
Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky should be the preferred starters over Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Eboue.
Fabregas will return with Samir Nasri out for a month. Laurent Koscielny suspended for one match could be replaced by either Johan Djourou or Song (the former might still not be fully fit). The question of a center back signing still hovers as Arsenal have to negotiate for Sebastian Squillaci on better terms if they want him from Sevilla.
Manuel Almunia is back in goal as the goalie conundrum continues. One day it is Schwarzer, the next; Stekelenburg – the flip flop is a given. If it pans out it will be on August 31st at 11:59 PM.
For Arsenal the dangermen are obviously Marlon Harewood, familiar from his Villa days, Gareth Taylor-Fletcher who scored two goals against Wigan, and Scottish international Charlie Adam.
Speaking of Holloway, he is a big Wenger fan or is he talking it up so Arsenal are primed for a pratfall? The Gunners have a record of dropping points to promoted clubs.
“The bloke is a genius. His players all know their jobs and he has moulded that club the way he wants it. He’s even got his name in their name – Arsene, Arsenal – and maybe I should change my name to Black or something.”
Here is why Holloway is a media darling:
He added: “I had rottweilers and now I have a toy poodle, which shows how you can change. I miss him.”