Well tomorrow Arsenal take on Dinamo Zagreb in possibly one of the biggest games in this season’s fixture list. Arsenal cannot afford to lose at any costs.
Does anyone know anything about Zagreb?
Well not much, and that will be a problem. They did beat minnows Ekranas 9-3 on aggregate in the previous round and the only player I know of them is the German Jens Nowotny.
It’s a major August for Arsenal as we play 2 Champions League Qualifiers, the first Premiership match at the Emirates Stadium and many of the squad are involved in another useless International friendly on the 16th – I pray we don’t get any bloody injuries!
Is it notable that the Official Arsenal page doesn’t include Ashley Cole as an Arsenal player involved in an International friendly?
I think it’s generally accepted that the team that started against AZ Alkmaar last Friday will be the team that starts tomorrow night in Croatia.
With Lehmann suspended (again), Henry just returning to fitness , Senderos injured and Cashley Cole left at home the first eleven will be:
Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Flamini, Hleb, Gilberto, Fabregas, Reyes, Adebayor and Robin Van Persie.
Which is the strongest line-up Wenger could pick from the players available.
The only real concern is how Arsenal will play. This is Arsenal’s first competitive game of the season while Zagreb are well underway after starting their domestic league in July.
In other news, Freddie has praised Arsene for his ‘brilliant ability’ to build a team, and also targets the Villa game to come back. Nice to know there are some players who appreciate what a manager has done for them.
And 18 year old prodigy Freddy Adu has criticised Chelsea for their performance in a friendly against MLS All Stars. I like the kid already.
I watched the ChavSki game Vs MLS All Stars – despited the hilarious commentry from the yanks – ‘it’s a shot from down town’ style – Chelsea looked very very average – with SwP probably he best player on the park.
Ballack and Lampard can’t play together – it will cause issues for them – that I am sure – there will be unrest in the camp by the end of the season.
The reason why Cole is not noted as being picked for an international is that the squad has yet to be annouced by Steve Maclaren.
Anyway, the team you have looks about right, they should be able to keep a clean sheet which is what these ties are about.
Would like to see some new faces come in, as this team on paper does not inspire, however you could get an injured or unfit XI.
Lehman,
Lauren Senderos Cole Clichy
Freddie Diaby Rosicky
Walcott Henry
OK, well ten players not eleven, but would do you expect for an injured XI all of them to turn up.
Not bad team on paper that is missing.
“Is it notable that the Official Arsenal page doesn’t include Ashley Cole as an Arsenal player involved in an International friendly?”
That means nothing! If you know the England squad for the next friendly, then maybe you would like to pass that information on to Steve Mclaren!
Does anyone actually think that Ashley Cole won’t be picked?! Jesus… England don’t have anyone else at left-back!
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work that one out lads, come on..
Anyway, since the 2nd leg is in a couple of weeks time if we are in trouble after the 1st leg then at least Thierry would be fit for the Emirates clash!