Arsenal's season hinges delicately on the result of this fixture. In the Premiership Arsenal are closing in on third place and if they can secure that position it will be one place better than last season. So that could at least be seen as some sort of progression. But as last years beaten finalists there is a lot to live up to in the Champions League this season. After a dominant display in the Philips Stadion the Gunners conceded a goal on 61 minutes and could not find the vital equaliser. They were punished for not taking the chances that fell to them and were faced by Gomes a goalkeeeper in excellent form on the day. With 55% of the possession, 9 corners to PSV's 1, 11 shots to PSV's 6, Arsenal deserved so much more from the game.
Gut Feeling: I think that Arsenal are going to give a classic attacking display, going for the kill from the first whistle. I envisage Wedensday night as a classic victory that will be talkied about for years to come. Wenger will encourage the players to come out of the blocks firing and the fans will be vocal, sensing the importance of the game.
What Arsenal Need: Arsenal need a passionate and committed performance. The fans will want to see the Gunners battling for every loose ball, competing for every tackle and chasing back if they lose possession.
Arsenal need a more efficient night in front of goal. They cannot afford to waste good goal scoring opportunities.
Things To Watch Out For: I'm looking for Arsenal's midfield to contribute to the goals tomorrow night. Fabregas has been so close to scoring in the last few games and I'm ready for him to unleash a screamer to send the Gunners faithful into raptures.
The defence need to work hard to snuff out the PSV counter-attacks and they need to defend well against set pieces. Farfan will be back in the PSV team and he will need to be watched closely.
Hopes For The Match: I'll be watching for the senior players to show leadership to the younsgters and that doesn't just mean shouting at them, it means encouraging them and leading by example.
Arsenal cannot afford any more injuries to the already depleted squad.
I guess Wenger will use Walcott and Diaby off the bench, but by then I hope the Gunners will have the lead they require. It's going to be a nail biter but the best team should triumph over three hours of football.
Team Selection: If Henry is not fit, then he shouldn't play. If Wenger thinks Henry can only contribute for a short period then he should put the enigmatic French striker on the bench and use him in the last twenty minutes.
The Dutch visitors look certain to defend as they did in the first leg and so Henry would be denied the space he thrives on. So perhaps a combination of Adebayor and Baptista is more suited to this match, especially with two PSV defenders out injured.
| My team selection for this game: Adebayor, Baptista Ljungberg, Gilberto, Fabregas, Hleb Clichy, Gallas, Toure, Djourou (or Hoyte if fit) Lehmann Subs: Almunia, Djourou, Denilson, Walcott, Diaby, Aliadiere, Henry (if fit) |
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Unavailable: van Persie (metatarsal), Eboue (ankle), Rosicky (groin), Flamini (foot).
Prediction: Arsenal 3 PSV Eindhoven 1
