Who should play upfront against Man U?
270 comments January 17th, 2007
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, Arsene has a rather nice selection poser regarding who ought to play upfront. One would imagine that skipper Thierry Henry is guaranteed to start, and that Jeremie Aliadiere is unlikely to get a game, but beyond that it’s anybody’s guess.
Julio Baptista‘s four goal haul at Anfield was mightily impressive, but he didn’t even get on the field during the win over Blackburn. On top of that indication, Baptista (pronounced Batista, by the way), has yet to start a game alongside Henry. Although Liverpool was a great game for the Brazilian, it was just one game, and I’d be very surprised if Arsene plucked him from the substitutes bench for a game of this magnitude.
Robin van Persie is our top goalscorer this season, and in many ways the favourite to start alongside Henry. In recent games the pair have shown the first signs of developing a partnership, with the two players preferring to cut in from the left and right-hand sides respectively. Van Persie can produce something out of nothing, and in tight games like these, that can be vital. What’s more, we beat Charlton, Liverpool and Blackburn with RvP and Henry: why fix what ain’t broke?
Well, one reason might be the return of Emmanuel Adebayor. Although he looked rusty in his ten minute cameo at Ewood Park, the torrid time he gave Man U at Old Trafford shouldn’t be forgotten. Rio Ferdinand certainly hasn’t forgotten it:
“I think Adebayor is the player who has given us the most problems this season, with his movement and skill. Arsenal controlled the game against us and he was exceptional.”
Whilst Baptista is a better finisher and Van Persie has superior skill, you can guarantee that if he is selected Adebayor will cover every blade of grass. What’s more, he and Henry put together a very productive partnership last season. They’ve barely played together this term, but if they’re immediately able to recapture that form, Adebayor might be the man for job.
What do you reckon?
