The best news on the opening day of the season for an Arsenal fan like me is not the signing of a player by manager Arsene Wenger but the Frenchman signing an extension to his current contract that will keep him at Arsenal until 2014.
The fear of him leaving for another club has been hanging in the air but Arsene clearly loves to finish his project here where he is given the freedom to shape the future of the club which at the moment look very bright. After being criticised for having few English players within the Arsenal ranks now it seems England will get their core players from the red and white section of North London.
With captain Cesc Fabregas a bit doubtful for the match at Anfield tonight due to late pre-season programme for players in action at the 2010 South Africa World Cup, Arsenal fans would be delighted if Jack Wilshere takes the field and provide the forward impetus for his team-mates.
Samir Nasri could be the main creative point for the Gunners and Abou Diaby should be the one starting just in front of the defence even though Manu Frimpong could also be in the picture after impressing the manager during the pre-season programme.
The forward line would likely be without Robin van Persie which means Marouane Chamakh could be alone upfront with Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott in support from the flanks. Many Gooners are hoping the Russian will continue his scoring streak at Anfield tonight having scored five goals in two matches he played there.
It will be a tough competitive debut for Laurent Koscielny as he partners Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Arsenal defence, a section that Arsene really hopes to improve significantly from last season's showing. However, the main concern for many Arsenal fans is still who will be the man between the posts this season.
Arsene has came out and says whoever is chosen tonight will be his number one, though not permanently as the goalkeeper will be judged on his performance. Wojciech Szczesny is unlikely to start due to his lack of top flight experience. Thus it will be a three way battle between Manu Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone.
Fulham drew at Bolton Wanderers without Mark Schwarzer in goal, fueling speculation that the Aussie custodian will become an Arsenal player in the next few days. That would be an interesting situation. Former Cottagers' manager Roy Hodgson who is now in charge of Liverpool will be hoping for a good start for his side after bolstering his side with Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic and Chris Poulsen.
Another Arshavin Super Show is most welcomed but at the same time another clean sheet at Anfield would be very, very much appreciated.
C'mon Gunners!
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