Beware of the Ex Factor

Arsenal will host Sevilla in their opening match of the new Champions League season. The match will be broadcasted at 5 a.m. Thursday, so I would not catch other 'live' matches as they would have updates about the other matches in progress.

It will coincide nicely with my 'sahur' time.

It is not going to be an easy match for the Gunners. The presence of former Sp*ds player Freddie Kanoute is certainly something to worry about. There has been a trend where former players and former Sp*ds players scoring against us, remember Nayim?

They played in similar style to Arsenal, thus the reason for Sp*ds held behind the back meeting with their coach, Ramon Juande the other week. If Sevilla go home with all three points tonight, the desire to get him over to the Lane will be greater than ever.

I really would like to see Eduardo starting this match, partnering either Manu Adebayor or Robin Van Persie. The Croat is a more clinical finisher and both Adebayor and Van Persie always create chances either by holding up the ball (Manu) or skillful manoeuvres (Robin).

Kanoute has expressed his opinion that to stop Arsenal, Sevilla has to keep Cesc Fabregas under tight wraps, but I believe we possess more quality with creativity not limited to the young Spaniard alone. Both Tomas Rosicky and Alex Hleb could be other creative outlets which were quite evident against Sp*ds on Staurday.

Despite not fully convincing, I prefer Phillipe Senderos partnering Kolo Toure in defence rather than Gilberto Silva. Both Senderos and and Gilberto are not great with pace and could be troubled by the pace of the Sevilla forwards but the Brazillian's jet-lag seemed to affect his game on Saturday. Thus a nice rest would bring the best out of the veteran.

Manuel Almunia should start in goal though I wish there will be a chance soon for Lukasz Fabianski. Perhaps the Carling Cup tie against Newcastle later this month will see him in action for first time in a competitive match for Arsenal.

I am really hoping for a good start and a good match.


Go Gooners!!!


My line-up for tonight:
Almunia; Sagna, Glichy, Toure, Senderos; Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky, Eduardo, Van Persie

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