Arsenal v. Hamburg - Analysis of my predictions

Gut Feeling: Hamburg have won two games in their last 22, however, Rafael van der Vaart is back in the team for tonight's game. If ever a game should be a formality, this is the one. But equally it is these kind of games that can can cause a team to slip up. Hamburg have nothing to lose and shouldn't turn up with ten men behind the ball, so Arsenal will have their usual high share of possession. Once again the question with Arsenal is how many chances will they take from the opportunities will create.

By the end of the first half it looked like a slip up could be on the cards, but a solid second half performance scured the win.

What Arsenal Need: Three points are essential.

And that's what we got.

Things To Watch Out For: With Gallas out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury the opportunity arises for the two Swiss centre backs to fight it out for a starting place. To be honest I feel that Djourou is the better prospect, but I think that Wenger rates Senderos more highly.

Senderos started the match, with Djourou on the bench. Phillipe played well but still doesn't look as good as Djourour.

My main concern about the Gallas injury is the way it occurred. Arsene said that Gallas was taking free kicks at the end of practice. I would question why he was taking free-kicks at goal? Does he normally take them during the games? He is probably not even on the list of players that would take a free kick, with Henry, van Persie, Toure and Rosicky ahead of him.

Robin's free kick whizzed over the bar and Thierry's zipped past the post. It is great to know that Arsenal have two excellent free kick takers.

Hopes For The Match: I'm hoping Arsenal play with pace and look to attack at every opportunity. In the past, Arsenal have scored lots of goals on the counter-attack but very few this season. I hope to see some tonight.

The third goal was classic couter-attacking Arsenal. It was a joy to watch.

My team selection for this game: Henry van Persie, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Senderos, Toure, Eboue Lehmann Subs: Almunia, Walcott, Djourou, Flamini, Baptisata, Adebayor

Long-term issues: I'm not a fan of the 4-5-1 and I'm still concerned that the personnel don't play the system correctly.

More on this later.

Prediction: Arsenal 2 Opponent 0
Score: Arsenal 3 Hamburg 1