Wigan Preview & FA Cup Draw

Morning folks,

After a pretty good weekend football wise, I'm stranded in my house due to the icey roads so I said I'd write a little preview ahead of tomorrow nights game. Yesterday Chelsea dropped more points as they could only manage a draw away to Newcastle. It means we are now level on points with the Blues, they are ahead on goal difference. We need to find consistancy now, we've dropped several points that we shouldn't have. Hopefully lessons have finally been learned and we can go on a good run of form.

Ahead of the game tomorrow night the boss has promised to retain his policy of playing a strong team in this years competition. It's clear he's really going for this cup, he knows the trophy drought has to come to and end this season. We won't settle for the Carling Cup alone, that's for sure. It is the minimum required but it's a start at least. Also, seen as the final is in the end of February, think of the boost it would give the players going into the final few months of the season. Massive is the only word to describe it.

There are a few rumours floating around that Havard Nordveit could earn a start and Icertainly wouldn't mind catching a glimpse of him in competitive action. For me it's not that big a gamble. He's 20 years old now and had a good loan spell in the Bundesliga last season in which he played 19 games. Pressure clearly dosen't faze him as he mentioned in an earlier interview. Over there he played in stadiums which contained over 50,000 people. He is similar in age to Kieran Gibbs who is really pushing Clichy at the moment so why not give this lad a chance? With Eboue out injured and Sagna in need of a rest, lets give this boy a chance to show us what he can do.

Robin Van Persie is also in with a shout. The boss will decide whether he should give him some match practice or another week of intense training. I personally would like to see him back on the pitch on a regular basis but we need to be cautious with him now. When asked about the Dutchman, the boss said:
“Van Persie? I don’t know. Do I get him a week of work or do I play him? I have to speak with him frankly to see how he feels. We will see [on] Monday.”
Anyway, Bendtner or Emmanuel Thomas can always fill in if he dosen't feature, the latter I am also keen to catch a glimpse of.

Here is the team I'm expecting to see:

Szczesny

Nordtveit - Koscielny - Djourou - Gibbs

Eastmond - Denilson - Rosicky (C)

Walcott - Van Persie - Vela

Szczesny should get his chance to shine once again. Nordtveit, if started, will be the only change to the back four from the previous two cup games. The midfield, I expect to be unchanged from the Newcastle game and up front I'd like to see Robin get the nod. There's more than enough quality to overcome the Latics of whom I expect to line up like this:

Al Habsi

Stam - Gohouri - Caldwell - Figueroa

Moses - Cleverley - Thomas - Diame - N'Zogbia

Boselli

I really do think we can many goals against this side if we're up for it. We will have many players who will be keen to make an impression as they look to break into the first team. The likes of Walcott, Vela and even RVP will want to impress Arsene. Wigan come into the game on typically inconsistant form. You never know which team will show up. They pose a big threat down the wings. Victor Moses has got pace and if he starts, Kieran Gibbs will have to be on his toes. Then you have N'Zogbia who really does deserve to be at a better club. Nordveit could be in for a tough night if he gets the nod. Then up front you have Argentine striker Boselli who has been pretty ineffective for them this season. He missed a penalty this on Saturday and isn't living up to his price tag. As far as I know Alcarez and Rodallega are suspended which is no harm on our part. I'm expecting a big performance from everyone, entertaining football and plenty of goals for hus hopefully.

Now the FA Cup draw took place yesterday. No doubt the talking point came when United were paired with Liverpool but I really couldn't give a toss about those two. We were drawn with Leeds which will take place on the 8th of January at the Emirates. It should make a good game, no doubt they will bring a huge army of fans with them. It is a game you'd expect us to win but we won't concentrate on it too much yet, we've got a big run in between now and the new year.

Not much else happening today. I'm off to light a fire and spend the rest of the day in the warmth of my home. Till next time, thanks for reading.