Ahoy, Arsemates. It’s Tom here to put my unique and patented reverse-double-quadruple-backwards ultra super jinx on the game. In my defence, Blogger is at tonight’s game, so we all know who’s fault it is if we don’t get a good result. That’s right, Bloggers, you know what you must do – lynch him!
Just kidding – a good old shoeing should do.
So tonight sees the first leg of our Champions’ League quarter final against Villarreal. I’m sure nobody needs reminding of our last game at El Madrigal, when we had Jens and Riquelme to thank for us reaching the final. It was a very tight game (although as I recall, we were a bit pish that night), and we can expect much more of the same this evening. Theirs is an intimidating ground and you can be sure that the home crowd will be right behind their team tonight.
In team news, Robin Van Persie is ruled out by a groin injury. Very disappointing to lose him, but that’s cunting interlulls for you. Eduardo and Diaby are ruled out by their groins and thighs respectively, also victims of the nightmare that is the cursed interlull.
In more positive news, Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri have recovered. You’d have thought Nasri would start, and with Diaby out, probably Theo too, with the usual back four, and Song and Cesc in the middle. Adebayor’s sure to start up front, with probably Bendtner partnering him in attack.
Though it could just as easily be 5 in midfield with Denilson coming in, and Cesc pushing forward to support Adebayor.
All of this could be complete bollocks of course. I’m not the manager.
Villarreal are without a few influential players too, so here’s hoping we can take advantage.
Of course, Villarreal have a couple of ex-Gunners, the most dangerous, and one of our best ever players, Super Bobby Pires. I’m sure he’ll get a well-deserved ovation from the travelling fans, but I’d rather he had a complete stinker tonight. Of Le Bob, the boss said:
They want to show you that they still have the quality and they are even more resolute to punish you,” he said. “Everybody who loves Arsenal loves Robert Pires. For us he was fantastic…before his injury he was the best player in the world in his position. When I picked the team he was always automatically on the team sheet.”
And that he was – an awesome player, who would grace any team. But I still hope he has a stinker. As for Cygan, I’m hopeful his inclusion will inspire as much confidence in the Villarreal fans as he did in ours when he was playing for us.
So, that’s your lot for this morning. Here’s hoping for that patented reverse-double-quadruple-backwards ultra super jinx tonight (which is a good thing, trust me), much more besides, and a happy, cheery – and lynch-free – blog for tomorrow.
For those going to the game, make lots of noise, give Le Bob a big cheer, and if we don’t get the right result, look for an Irish Arsenal fan and batter him with potatoes. It’s all his fault.
Cooooooome on you reds!
