november 26th
It’s Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, a game eagerly awaited as it pits my team against that of my younger, and therefore inferior, brother. I’m sure I’ve made reference to the mug story before, but when we were kids we each had our football team’s mug. My little brother decided clanking them together would be a great idea and he probably thought it was the greatest idea ever when my high quality Arsenal merchandise was shattered into pieces by his cheap and nasty scouse version. Naturally I was devestated. In fact, I still am and that’s what makes this game special for me. Forget three points, forget cup finals, winning the league in the last minute, every time we beat Liverpool it’s sweet, sweet revenge for my poor mug.
What’ll make Sunday’s game really interesting is the fact that both teams are down to the bare bones when it comes to strikers. Liverpool are without Baros, Garcia and Cissé while Arsenal could well be without Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp has an achilles problem while Robin van Persie and José Reyes both have bruised knees. It could be Quincy and Lupoli against Mellor and Singasonga-PingPong lad which would be interesting I have to say. Better news is that Sol Campbell came through the PSV without any ill effects to his injury and according to the boss “It is tremendous to have him back in the team. He is calm, experienced and organises the team very well.”
Thierry Henry says Arsenal must still attempt to top the Champions League group. It’s going to be tough with Edu out, Gilberto out and Vieira suspended. A rookie midfield of Flamini and Fabregas will have to be the base but maybe a bit of youthful enthusiasm is what we need. For more on Europe check out a new column from a new columnist on Arseblog – Nights like this by Stace.
T-shirt contest winner: Well done to Philip Woodford who wins this groovy Thierry shirt from our good old chums at harderthansatan.com. The random number generator did its thing and you’re the random number it picked. I’ll be in touch to get details and the rest of you will have to buy a t-shirt so you can look as cool as Philip Woodford.
So that’s that. What are you up to for the weekend then?
