Gunnerblog

Boro Preview: Resting Adebayor would be folly

Add comment December 9th, 2007

With no players returning to the squad that travelled to Newcastle in midweek, the stress is beginning to tell on an injury-ravaged Arsenal side.  Four players from our first choice front six will be absent, and we will need to eradicate the sloppiness we showed on Wednesday if we’re to pick up another three points and re-establish a four point lead. 

As far as team selection goes, I suppose the back four and goalkeeper to remain intact.  In midfield, Gilberto will continue in the centre, possibly alongside a fresh Denilson.  Other than that, you’d expect to see Rosicky and Eboue on the flanks, though Theo Walcott could be given an opportunity, simultaneously granting the Ivorian a rest.

Indeed, Arsene has talked of rotating the few players he has at his disposal:

“I’ll change a little bit.  I think I’ll look at one or two to see who is the most physically fatigued and how many games players have played on the trot. I can only make a decision after that.”

Adebayor’s exhausting role as the lone front runner makes him a prime candidate for rotation.  But on a day when we’re without Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, our two other primary goal-getters, Adebayor could prove indispensable.  The Premier League’s top goalscorer, he has scored in each of our last three league matches away from home – I’d urge Arsene to partner him with Nicklas Bendtner and give Boro’s shaky backline some real difficulties.  If he needs rest, give him the first part of next week off and leave him out against Steau.

Arsene has spoken about Tresor Mputu, and the possibility of arranging a permanent deal for the Congolese triallist.  The guy is clearly very raw, and to expect any instant results from a player of such limited experience would be unrealistic, but it’s exciting to think that he could be another diamond in the rough plucked from the deep mine of African talent that Arsene knows so well.

Finally: what odds on Jeremie Aliadiere to get a winner today?  I shudder at the thought of it.