Arsene Wenger has plenty to mull over following the departure of Alex Song to the African Cup of Nations and his midfield conundrum is not being eased by a series of injury problems.
The Gunners face Bolton on Wednesday in their second gameweek fixture and are again set to be without skipper Cesc Fabregas. Added to this, Wenger was without Denilson for the FA Cup win at West Ham on Sunday due to a back problem and also revealed that Arshavin missed that match with a foot injury…
“He [Denilson] will have a test tomorrow [Monday] and on Tuesday if he is fit he will be available for the game on Wednesday…Arshavin should be available for Wednesday but today he had a foot problem.”
Despite those reassuring words, both are clearly doubts for Wednesday’s game, while Theo Walcott is also missing with a rib injury. Wenger’s options are restricted then as he looks to construct a new makeshift midfield with Song now departed…
The Cameroon international has provided a significant shield for the Arsenal defence of late and allowed the likes of Fabregas, Diaby and more recently Ramsey, to get forward to join the attack. Wenger must now decide whether to look to replicate the system with another player, or, as he hinted in his post-match interview, perhaps find a new formula…
“We will miss him [Song} because he’s an important player. In the system we play he plays in front of the defence and we will have to find a new balance without him.”
It is widely expected that Abou Diaby will be shifted to a defensive role to cover the loss of Song. Indeed the player himself has stated only today that he expects to talk to Wenger about the situation. There are other options though. Nasri adopted that position for a spell last season and Aaron Ramsey has also said that he would be willing to fulfill a holding role. His role in Wenger’s plans look to be further forward however, after the Welshman struck the goal that got Arsenal back in the cup tie on Sunday. That followed his league goal at Portsmouth in midweek.
Wenger offered a big hint that Ramsey would not only continue in the side while Fabregas was injured, but also that he would continue to be played in a position that would continue to bring him goal opportunities…
“He improves from game to game. I set him a target at the start of the season to play between 15 and 20 games and it looks like he will get that very quickly. He has a chance to play at the moment. He can play on the flanks and at full-back. He is physically very strong, quick and has a good stamina. He is a good dribbler but of course his best position is centre midfield because he is a goalscorer as well.”
Another start for Ramsey against Bolton on Wednesday looks likely then, with Diaby the most likely to be given the responsibility to anchor things in front of the back four. In fantasy terms this wouldn’t be the best of news. Diaby’s attacking output would be potentially limited throughout January, while Ramsey looks attractive but is badly hindered by the possible return of Fabregas for the meeting with Everton this weekend.
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Can somebody who knows Man City give me the lowdown on defenders? I’m thinking Micah Richards at this point, but I’m having trouble as I don’t know what Mancini’s preffered backline would look like, and the injuries too are troubling.
Is Onouha a decent shout for GW 22?
Garrido
Is it time for an Australian rain dance tomorrow??
The heavy snow forecast today over the midlands and then London tomorrow is going to ruin the DGW. It looks as though the clouds are following the games on purpose. I have had enough of fantasy football this season.
I am sure the Arsenal game will be on. Fingers crossed they both go ahead!
They have both known its coming and have no excuse…Wigan seem the only Prem team who camnt hack it/have been suprised by it…games should be fine…heres hoping…!
This yr is starting get to me too Si, but dont despair! We still have half a season to go and i WILL ctach my mini league rivals! haha
Any thoughts on how guys?! Think keeping Torres for one more week-yholding off this week so two transfers next week…opinions?
I wouldn’t be upset if it was called off, it will be a -14 wind chill tomorrow.
You going then? or just hoping to keep those foreigners warm for the weekend?!;-)
Sod them, they get paid thousands, I’m going and am thinking of my bits getting cold.
Haha I remember going to Wigan away a few years ago when i misread the temp it was SO cold! Layers mate, layers! Glad to hear you are not worrying about them though!
There will be layers a plenty lol.
Don’t really warm to the modern day footballer mate, they get more in a week then we get in a few years and sometimes they don’t even put in a stint so I guess I’m not that fussed about their well being, if they run about a bit more they will stay warm.
Understood. we dont have many of those wingers left at Newcastle, even Enrique and co have learned not to moan, esp since we went down! Ill be glad to see the back of Geremi if he’s gone…
He’s in Turkey now so I reckon he is definatly gone.
… warm there in fairness !
The Wigan game was postponed because of the surrounding area (1 mile private road leading up to the stadium) being too dangerous. The pitch was fine. With this in mind, I can’t see how Arsenal will be affected, seeing as the walk up to the Emirates is fairly short. Not sure about the Brittania – I used to live in Stoke, but never went to a game.
Morning, Here my suggested 11 for this gw…
Sorensen
Evra, Gallas, Ivanovic
Milner, Dempsey, Shava, Sanli
Defoe, Rooney, Bent
Bench: Robbo, Shawcross, Dann, *Henderson / Wilsher (pending tfr)
Look Ok?
Who should i (c)?
Cheers !
Looks pretty good to me-I have Tuncay too-is he nailed on you think? Whose Robbo?! have a look at mine mate see what you think please!Arsh or Bent for captain?
Sorry, Paul Robinson.
Not sure if sanli is “nailed”, was going to tfr him out (double hit) and bring Valencia in but thought he was a good shout v Bur, and IU can cover him off on the bench with Shawcross having decent fixture.
Just looked at your team. . .
Who you gonna go with? 4 – 4 – 2 formation ?
Im guessing, you will be planning to lose Reid? And strenghten that area?
Fab will be back soon you be ok with him, but I would look to lost Piquinee if you can?
Piq just there to free up cash while work out who I want in but will be gone soon as I can. (Part of my great gamble to get Arsh in for the DGW!) Reid out this week or next-depends on wether want to take hit or value loss, Im at a bit of a loss! Thought Petrov and Modric, Arsh needs to go soon too…
Thinking getting Anelka or Tevez in for Torres(Tevez though seems to be in everyones team now!) then Modric/Petrov and Dunn in. Or wait this week! No idea really at min
Ahhh right, I would look to keep Torres for a bit (imo) got a feel hes due a good run !
I did the shava dgw change, like many others. Lets hope he comes good tomorrow!
Are you planning to lose Shava? Would allow you to upgrade elsewhere then and keep Torres perhaps? Or bring in Lamp / SG with a Reid downgrade?
Just a thought…
Keep Tuncay in, they got a lot of home games coming up (past what the ticker shows) sometimes you got to let your picks settle before panicking and getting rid.
Merida’s signed for Atletico.
Perm?Loan?
Apparently not. Joining up with Atletico in the summer.
Where have you seen that?
http://www.teamtalk.com/footba.....4,00.html?
http://www.imscouting.com/glob.....rid/4719/?
Of course not until it’s officially announced is it gospel.
Cheers Churchy, there is probably some truth behind it as he seems a tad impatient and he’s not going to force himself into the starting line up any time soon.
Probably the best thing for him.
Bottom line is the lad needs games. Can’t keep going out on loan all the time.
Fair play to him.
Yeah, not knocking him, his contract is up, he is free to do what he wants.
did think that, on Reid too but guess with inuuries you dont know how long they are out for.Think Tuncay play for def then Chill Pill? I hope so! Dont want to be one of these RMT guys..but!
How about Reid-Henderson?
Then arsh lampard or petrov…flexible then
Henderson is a good option, he seems to be playing well but I just fancy Stoke at home against most teams and do think Tuncay will play.
Out of the other 3 I would look at Petrov this week and then go him, I’m doing the Arshavin to Petrov or Kranjkier switch after the weekend.
City have good fixtures coming up and a double in the horizon so it won’t hurt to get some of their players in early.
When City’s double? Is it scheduled yet? Was thinking Petrov too, not sure want Tevez and Petrov but might be good. Stoke at home def a good option if he plays….
It’s not scheduled yet but their fixtures are good so a little forward planning will make it easier in the long run.
I just got Tevez, over the next few weeks I will bring in Petrov and Given then that’s 3 sorted and a head start on bulking up on doublers, that last double could be make or brake for most of us chasing leads.
Break even.
Cheers Chill. Petrov is my differential plan at min, along with Valencia who for some reason no one in my league has. Hopeing Torres does the business this weekend, after the Arsh hat trick, Tuncay brace and Stoke cleanie that is!
Think valencia a good idea for next few games yes-Bur and Hull at home!
Thinking now Tuncay – Henderson
Reid-Petrov
Opinion mate?
haha slow week, I know its only Tue too and GW not over but need to make up ground!
I am considering bent for captaincy myself, but will wait till after the arsenal-bolton game to decide, in order to see how bolton reacts to the sacking of their manager. They looked good in the weekend albeit weak opposition, but we’ll see tomorrow against the gunners.
Bolton concede in every game and few sunderland goals are scored without involving Bent, so in I think it could be a good bet.
i hope hangeland doesn’t play………. please
With 13 points sitting on the bench, I can understand why.
Just had a look at the season ticker. Arsenal have one red light game from GW 27 to the end of the season. Villa have two.
With a little planning, topping up with two or players from each team seems like a sensible idea.
Milner & Warnock, Fabregas & Song?
Sounds like 2 good pairings… I am looking to bring in Warnock & Fab over next few weeks !
Milner may be a must have then..anoying but true! haha, tried to avoid him all season! Still dont think ill keep Arsh AND Fab. feel sad posting so much this morning but work dead and might get sent home soon! Nothing like Fantasy Footy to keep your mind going!
‘Working from home’ is the way forward
Have you “pumped” your sources regarding Defoe’s injury?
My guess is he will be fine, he was taken off as his hamstring was tight but there has be no new reports.
The absence of any reports is unusual. I for one hope he plays.
Unlike the Fabregas reports. I think Wenger is giving us the best possible scenario. Sure be surprised if he played Everton. Perhaps highlights the need for those who have both Fab & Arsh to keep Arsh until after the Everton game. I sure am.
What is Wenger saying about Fabs return?
haha not the kind of job where i can decide that but may be one of those days soon….!
Jonathan E, that’s the name!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV9ysMZamxs
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