A chance to say, “Auf Wiedersehen, Jens”
Add comment December 12th, 2007
Three weeks ago Arsene decided that Jens Lehmann would be handed a start tonight against Steaua Bucharest. It could be seen as a last hurrah for Jens, or an opportunity to show he’s still got what it takes to oust the impressive Manuel Almunia. I suspect it’s most likely that it’s a chance for Jens to put himself in the shop window. If a club were to come in for him in January, we might well recognise the service he’s given the club and release him on a free, much like we did with Sol Campbell.
Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie are both back from injury, though I’d be surprised to see either start tonight. It’s more likely that Diaby will play, simply due to our genuine lack of left-wingers.
It will be a heavily rotated side, with the likes of Theo Walcott, Philippe Senderos, Denilson, and Nicklas Bendtner all almost certain to start, whilst Adebayor and Rosicky will be rested. Arsene has rightly recognised that finishing top of the group is not as important as overcoming our dip in our league form on Sunday. In some respects, the best thing about winning tonight would be raising morale ahead of Chelsea.
We’re perfectly capable of it, so let’s hope we make it happen.
