Déjà vu

Here we go again. Having made the long trip to London and back on Saturday, many of the black and white brethren will be gearing up for a repeat performance on Tuesday night. Hopefully the result will alter significantly however from the 3-0 FA Cup game at the weekend.

Wenger`s men now have a serious psychological edge over our mob, having put five past us at the Emirates this season with a multitude of players. Whilst what you see is what you get with our team, but with Arsenal they have that strength in depth to tinker with the first XI.

Wenger knows he can`t slip up in this game, as they seek to match the Mancs stride for stride in the title race. He also knows, having drawn the Reds at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, that the PL represents the bread and butter should they suffer an FA Cup exit in February.

Too early manwomanman...

Teamwise Rosicky won't feature following his early exit from the fray on Saturday with a gammy knee nor will Toure, Eboue and Alexandre Song (ACN bound), van Persie, Djourou,and Denilson (various ailments). That leaves the likes of Almunia to come in for Lehmann, possibly Bendtner to deputise part time for Adebayor and Flamini for Diaby. Either way we`re in for a rough night.

Having cited Adebayor last time it would be predictable enough to label him again after three goals in two games against us this season. However I reckon Eduardo was just as effective in his own sneaky way and will be on the night.

For ourselves there are a number of rumours doing the rounds about some sort of plea bargain agreement allowing Barton to start for the first time since his Festive F*ck Up. Emre remains suspended and the barber shop quartet of Beye, Martins, Faye and Geremi are still in Ghana. Viduka however is rumoured to be back in contention though should end up only on the bench.

Following Taylor`s inability to organise the defence I`m hoping Chuck will have more luck against Sagna on the left hand side.

2007/08 L 0-3 (FA Cup 4th Round)
2007/08 L 0-2 (Carling Cup 3rd Round)
2006/07 D 1-1 Dyer (FAPL)

2-1 Arsenal. Fabricarse and Eduardo replied to by Damien Duff.

Foam Handed Fiddlers, aka Middlesbrough, at SJP on Sunday.

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