Villa Preview

Evening all,

Tomorrow we are faced with the task of proving the critics wrong once again except this time a win won't convince many Arsenal fans of our title creditentials. We're definately have the quality to mount a title challenge, there's no doubting that. The problem lies in the players' heads. We tend to switch off in games that we're expected to win and put in fantastic displays against the sides we've been tipped to struggle against. We've fought for some hard earned wins against the likes of Blackburn, City, Everton and so on but those wins have been overshadowed by defeats to West Brom, Newcastle and most recently Spurs. In previous seasons we would have had no problem in fulfilling our objectives against these teams. This season it's almost as if some players think they just have to turn up and walk away with the three points. Well tomorrow we have a game which the players generally do turn up for.

Villa Park has been a ground of decent fortune for us in recent seasons and I see no reason why we should continue our good record there tomorrow. Of course life hasn't been made easier by the injury to Fabregas but the players should use that as a motivation to go out and prove they can win without the captain instead of using it as an excuse. This game's importance has increased over the last few weeks. Back to back defeats to Spurs and Braga means we simply cannot afford to come away from the Midlands with nothing. We have come under critisism from the media lately and rightly so. We're not showing the form of title contrenders at the moment and that needs to change rapidly if we do want to push ahead. I do believe we can win at Villa Park. Their defence has been leaking goals this season and who better to take advantage than the mighty Gunners eh? Still though, they are a side who are always pumped for these sort of sides. Both Chelsea and United have already gone there and come away with draws, and lucky to come away with draws. We are more than capable of going there and scoring goals if the sharp, committed and focused Arsenal turns up. Of course we come up against our old buddy Bobby Pires. He may not start but should receive a warm welcome from both sets of fans. The man was and still is an idol to many of us.

Now for the team news. As we all know, Cesc is definately out, as is Eboue. Almunia has been declared fully fit but I honestly can't see Fabianski being dropped. Clichy should be okay after a back problem. Van Persie and Arshavin will also return after being rested midweek. Here's now I expect us to line out:

Fabianski

Sagna - Squillaci - Djourou - Clichy

Nasri - Song - Denilson

Walcott - Chamakh - Arshavin

That defence looks good to me. You may be wondering why I left Koscielny out, it's because while he was suspended Djourou put in a string of solid performances and seemed to be forming a good partnership. On Tuesday night he was one of very few players who impressed me so why not keep him in there. Gibbs played okay midweek but I can't see him retaining his place, he needs to do more to prove he is worthy of a starting spot ahead of Clichy. In midfield I reckon Arsene will move Nasri back into Cesc's role. It is Sami's preferred position after all, interesting to see how he fares. I was torn between picking Wilshere and Denilson. I know Jack has sprung to life this season but away from home I feel Denilson would be more suited to that role. The Brazilian has really impressed me recently with his displays against City and Everton the games in particular where he stood out, no harm in keeping him in there. Up front we have a lovely misxture of pace, strenght and creativity. All we need is for each player to turn up and give all they've got in the tank. I'm not ruling out a start for RVP but I'm leaning towards MC for this one.

As for Villa Gerard Houllier has doubts over Agbonlahor's fitness so it is unlikely he will start. His pace can frighten any defence so perhaps it's better he dosen't take to the field tomorrow for our sake, the tricky Marc Albrighton is also out. However John Carew returns to the scene for Villians, his height could prove to be a major problem. Squillaci and Djourou/Koscielny will need to be on their toes. Here's how I predict they will line out:

Friedel

Young - Dunne - Collins - Warnock

Downing - Ireland - Bannan - Young

Carew - Heskey

Make no mistake, it is a good team and one capable of causing us problems tomorrow but I see weaknesses there that we can expose. Collins has been in and out of the team with injury so he may not be at his sharpest. Luke Young to be fair isn't the greatest defender of all time, if we can get the ball out wide to Arshavin and he's on his game, then perhaps Chamakh will have plenty to feed on in the box. On the opposite flank you have Theo up against Warnock, a man who is not the quickest so another who could be in for a long afternoon, let's hope so anyway. The midfield is very young and full of flair. This is where we need to be cautious. Song can't afford to go on one of his adventurous runs whenever he feels like it. Himself and Denilson will have to communicate well in order to keep Ireland and the talented Bannan abay. Also watch out for Young and Downing switching positions on the wings, both are capable of playing on either flank so Clichy in perticular will have to be alert at all times. Up front you have two very strong strikers but neither would be considered a goalscorer. Again, we cannot afford to underestimate their ability.

On to the other piece of news I've been meaning to get through now and it is that Aaron Ramsey has joined Nottingham Forest on loan until the 3rd of January. The reaction amongst fans has been spilt. Some feel it's a great move for him as he will get more game time and the Championship's physical nature will toughen him up. Remember too that the reseves only have one game between now and Januray 10th so that might well have been a factor in the decision to let him go out. On the other hand is he ready to be thrown straight into the deep end after just 45 minutes of competitive football? Hopefully there is some sort of agreement between us and Forest about how they use him and some of the medical staff from Arsenal will keep tabs on his progress I'm sure.

Well folks I think I'll leave it there for now. Hopefully we'll see an Arsenal side out to prove a point tomorrow and we end the weekend the happiest out of the top three. Till next time, take care.