It’s a fairly quiet one this morning as we’re between cup ties with Liverpool. We go back to Anfield tomorrow night for the Carling Cup and I would imagine there will be some changes to the side that won on Saturday. We’ll get team news during the day but it’s probably a good game for Baptista, Djourou, Denilson and Walcott to start while it could be a good opportunity for the likes of Lauren, Gallas and Adebayor to get 90 minutes and some match fitness under their belts. We shall see.
I think the pressure is very much off us for tomorrow’s game. If you’d asked any Arsenal or Liverpool fan which tie they’d prefer to win and 100% would have gone with the FA Cup. It could make for an interesting game though. Liverpool will be desperate to win and put the disappointment of Saturday behind them, we can play without fear or pressure so it could be a very open game. Let’s hope so.
Reports of Anthony Stokes joining Charlton appear to have been premature. Reports yesterday suggested that Sunderland could still in the frame and this morning it’s being reported that the Irish connection of Roy Keane and Chairman Niall Quinn have persuaded the young striker to go to the North East. Although he’s dropping down a division I can’t help feeling it’s probably a better move for him in the long term. He’s still only 18 and with Charlton in the mire it’s likely Pardew would stick with experience meaning Stokes’ chances would have been limited.
Of course Stokes is one of a crop of young players, along with Nicklas Bendtner, at Arsenal who have caught the imagination of the fans. Every year it seems the quality of the academy players is improving but still their chances of first team action at Arsenal are limited. With the focus of this week’s arsecast on the youngsters please let me know your thoughts by emailing arsecast@[remove]arseblog.com or leaving an arsebite (audio message) via this webpage. All contributions very welcome.
Also, with regards to the Arsecast our current sponsorship deal with classicfootballshirts.co.uk is coming to an end so if you’re interested in becoming the new sponsor please get in touch via email – again to arsecast@[remove]arseblog.com
Right, that is about that. How was your weekend then?
