For once I was happy with the international break.
Robin van Persie returned unhurt and apart from injury updates on Jack Wilshire and Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal’s medical room has had no new additions. So, that’s good news, and we have new additions to the squad.
I expect most of the new arrivals to the club to make their debuts against Swansea later today. In my opinion, they couldn’t have asked for an easier game to begin their Arsenal career with – newly promoted team and at home.
Swansea are yet to score a goal this season, but you can’t hide the fact that Arsenal themselves have been absolutely out of sorts. The break allowed players to spend some time away and with most of them performing well with their national teams, they will comeback with renewed determination and firepower after that 8-2 thrashing at Old Trafford.
New signings:
As mentioned above, several new players were added towards the end of the summer transfer window – four on deadline day and nine players in all.
Per Mertesacker will have to start after TV5 was ruled out for 2 months. Mikel Arteta and Andre Santos will also start, as Wenger will look to give his new signings an easy beginning to their new life at the Emirates. Yossi Benayoun will have to fight for his spot on the left wing with Andrey Arshavin, whils Park Chu-Young will surely make an appearance from the bench following his impressive performance for South Korea, where he bagged a hat-trick.
Team news:
Vermaelen, Wilshire, Squillaci and Diaby are all ruled out. Song and Gervinho have one more match remaining in their respective bans. Jenkinson also misses out after seeing two yellows at Old Trafford. Szczsney will start in between the posts and after picking up the ball 8 times from the net in his last league match, the Pole put in an assured display for Poland which was great to see. Sagna will also be back after he missed the Man United mauling with a bout of illness.
Likely line-up:
Szczsney
Sagna Mertesacker Koscielny Santos
Frimpong
Arteta Ramsey
Walcott Benayoun
Van Persie
A win is a must for Arsenal, but ideally they will be looking to reduce that goal difference as much as possible.
With the worst defence in the Premier League so far, a clean sheet and bagging 3-4 goals along the way would be perfect. With defending Bundesliga champions Dortmund awaiting us in the Champions League opener this Tuesday, Arsene Wenger will want to get the new faces to settle in well and bring back some confidence. I would also want Chu-Young to replace RVP after 60-65 minutes, in order to give the Dutch striker some rest and give the South Korean a feel of things. I think my fellow Gooners will agree that we all want to see Miyaichi in action as well, especially given his brilliant performances for Feynoord last season – he at least deserves a cameo appearance in my opinion.
I am refraining from making a prediction as I’ve realized that I am as hopeless at it as I am at algebra. However, I do predict an Arsenal win!
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good lineup. but bench. benayoun 4 Chamberlain
Correct line up. However, young and chamberling should be given opportunity when it present itself
am hoping ox -blood chambermaid will be given a run out 2day
Good line up. But MertaGIANT should watch his pace to checkmate any counter-attack. Gunners win.
i cant wait to c a massive win after poor start go gunners go
Careful being too confident. We need a win but Swansea have some speed up front. 3 points, no injuries, no suspension, improve goal difference and play well is in priority my hopes for the game.