Gunning For Wolves

This is what happen last time we have Wolves in the EPL

Arsenal visit Molineux Stadium tonight and it’s a good oppourtunity to continue the good run that we are currently going through.  This is no walk in the park for Arsenal as both Fulham and Aston Villa have came and gone home with only a point. Given the form that we’re in at the moment, the three points are almost in the bag.

On the team news, there’s not much difference to the squad that was named on Wednesday to this one. Vela is still slightly short while Rosicky and Nasri endured no adverse effect to the Champions League participation. With Nasri already completing another 90 minutes against Alkmaar, I sensed that he will return to the substitute bench with Eboue moving further the pitch than the one he occupied in the last match. With that, I suspect the lineup will resemble something like this;

Almunia

Sagna—Gallas—Vermaelen—Gibbs

Fabregas—Song—Diaby

Eboue—RVP—Arshavin

Though now Eduardo is fit and running, I don’t expect an away game to a side that is more accustomed to Championship football than Premier League will be a good place to start him. Since his return from his leg break, Eduardo has not been exactly back to his old self yet. Yes, there was the beach style goal in the FA Cup but since then, the efficiency in front of goal that we so normally see from him is not there. Perhaps he needs a couple of continuous 90 minutes games for him to really feel at home but that will happen sooner rather than later. As they normally say, form is temporary, class is permanent. We will need his goals and contribution as he is by far the most natural marksmen that Arsenal currently possess.

Wolves have not done too badly in their return to the upper echelon of English football and are now sitting in 17th position with 10 points. Their most dangerous player is the former Reading star, Kevin Doyle. I believe it will take more than just Kevin himself to be able to breach the fortress that is Gallas and Vermaelen. Wenger was asked who he thinks will come in should he decide to rest his first choice centerback pairing and promptly responded that unless forced upon, he is not even thinking of rotating them. To a certain extent, I will back that up. Normally the defense duo are not the position to mess with. Consistency breeds familiarity and it is even more vital to the last line of defense in front of the keeper.

Although in the occassion that the opponent’s strikers are those of lesser pace and power, I will like to see Senderos be given a chance to show his worth. Other than Drogba and Torres, I don’t think there is another striker who can give the Swiss the same kind of trouble he had with both in the past. It will also allow either Gallas or Vermaelen the chance to heal some sore legs and recharge themselves for the tough and tight fixtures ahead, even if only for the 1 game.

With the league’s top two due to face each other tomorrow, I’ll be keeping a close eye on that as well. I hope it will be a draw, allowing Arsenal to inch ever closer to both of them going into the international break. Just to keep them looking over their shoulders.

Here’s to another 3 points irregardless of how the match pans out. Enjoy it wherever you’re watching.