What Arsenal Need: Arsenal need to repeat the passion and effort put into the North London Derby. They cannot afford to concede first and need to take the chances they create in front of goal. They also need to fight for every ball and chase back when they lose possession, all attributes which they displayed on the weekend. It's this kind of effort that fans want to see.
Things To Watch Out For: It will be interesting to see if Wenger plays the usual 4-5-1 formation he prefers in Europe, especially after the success of the 4-4-2 on Saturday. I believe that latter formation allows the two strikers to pressure the opposing team's defence and gives the midfielders space to create.
Hopes For The Match: I hope Baptista gets some game time and that Walcott gets his usual 20 minutes at the end of the match.
We cannot sustain any more injuries. The squad was slowly recovering but then they lose Gallas, Rosicky and Henry.
| My team selection for this game: Adebayor van Persie, Ljungberg, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Djourou, Toure, Eboue Lehmann Subs: Almunia, Walcott, Djourou, Flamini, Baptista, Hoyte, Aliadiere |
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Unavailable:
Henry - Out until after Christmas with a scitic nerve injury.
Gallas - Injured his quadriceps taking free kicks in training and will be out for a few weeks.
Rosicky - Three weeks on the sideline with a hamstring injury.
Diaby - On course to return in January after suffering a fracture-dislocated ankle last season.
Lauren - Still rehabilitating from a knee injury that has kept him out since January 21st.
Long-term issues: Henry and Rosicky both look to be out until after Christmas.
Prediction: FC Porto 1 Arsenal 2
