Four decisions for Arsene ahead of tomorrow’s game
41 comments April 28th, 2009
We’re now just a day away from one of the biggest ties of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal reign – a Champions League semi-final against Manchester United.
With the majority of the team picking itself, today’s blog focuses on the few decisions Arsene does have to make it:
Mikael Silvestre vs Johan Djourou
We’re still waiting for news on whether or not Silvestre will be fit to join the squad for tomorrow’s game. If he is, it leaves Arsene with a conundrum about who will partner Kolo Toure – the experienced Frenchman, or Johan Djourou, who is only just recovered from injury. Djourou made a somewhat shaky forty-five minute appearance against Middlesbrough, but has not been a regular in the side for some time now. Silvestre has more match-practise, but has arguably a weak link in our back-line in recent weeks.Â
For me, whatever happens in Silvestre’s fitness test, Djourou ought to get the nod. When Kolo’s form went off the boil, the lanky Swiss filled in alongside William Gallas with some distinction, particularly in the excellent victory at Stamford Bridge, when he recovered from an own goal to help keep Anelka and others at bay. The key advantage he has over Silvestre is pace – with the threat of Rooney or Ronaldo getting in behind, that could be crucial.
Verdict: Johan Djourou
Mikael Silvestre vs Kieran Gibbs
If Silvestre isn’t my choice to start at centre-back, perhaps he might sneak in at left-back. The argument for it is simple – Djourou and Gibbs would form a fairly naieve left side of the defence, and Silvestre’s experience could help provide some solidity. However, if there is one thing that terrifies me more than the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo rampaging against young Gibbs, it is the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo rampaging against old Silvestre.
Verdict: Kieran Gibbs
Samir Nasri vs Denilson
After being rested at the weekend, I reckon it’s fairly certain that Alex Song will start as one of a pair of holding midfielders in our 4-2-3-1 formation. Until last week this would almost certainly have been Denilson, but of late he has had competition from an unexpected source: Samir Nasri. With the Brazilian struggling at Anfield, Arsene switched Samir Nasri into the holding role, where the Frenchman’s work-rate and passing allowed him to excel. He played ninety minutes in the role on Saturday, and showed an increasing positional familiarity with the position. Denilson, meanwhile, appears to be tiring as the effects of a long season finally take their toll. Much like Cesc playing behind the striker, I don’t see this as a long-term role for Nasri, but he’d be my man for tomorrow night.
Verdict: Samir Nasri
Samir Nasri vs Abou Diaby
Fielding Nasri in defensive midfield frees up a spot on the left-wing, and I think that might be handed to Abou Diaby. The injury to Robin van Persie means that there aren’t many options, to be honest. I think it says a lot about Diaby that I trust Samir Nasri in a defensive position more than him.
Verdict: Abou Diaby
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So there we have it – I have us lining up with Almunia in goal; Sagna, Toure, Djourou and Gibbs across the back four; Nasri and Song holding; then Walcott, Fabregas and Diaby playing behind Adebayor.
It’s not our strongest XI, but it’s certainly good enough to cause United problems.
More tomorrow.
