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| The Emirates stadium awaits. |
So here we are, back again for another Premier League season, filled with goals, gaffs and drama. I must say, Its a pleasure to be back and who wouldn't be excited for a new footballing and blogging season because I certainly am. There is no doubt in my mind that this season can be better than the last, with there being many more teams fighting for the title.
Before I start, I would just like to let you all know that I wrote this article at 3AM in my bed in Israel. I don't know about you, but that is sheer commitment. Hopefully, some of the players could learn a good lesson from this and implement some of my commitment into their weekly performances.
What better way to start a new Premier League season than a home fixture against Aston Villa. Its been a difficult and disappointing summer for us fans regarding transfers whereas its been a much brighter summer for Villa bringing in 8 new faces. It may not look all that promising but don'
t forget we are a top club and Villa did struggle to stay up last season.
We go into the first game with a "Thin" squad (as quoted by Arsene himself) leaving us quite short with options and making it harder to pick our strongest side. Both the sale of 17 squad members and various different injuries has left us with no choice but to dip into our reserves side and contemplate on bringing in young starlet Gedion Zelalem who shone in our pre season tour of Asia and Emmanuel Frimpong who played no part in the pre season tour.
It may look a tad worrying and in all honesty I am slightly worried, yet I'm trying to remain as optimistic as possible. We go into this fixture with huge amounts of confidence and belief. It also seems the players feel they might be able to get their hands on some silverware, after an intense pre season schedule and fitness regime.
It would be interesting to see which approach Villa take going into this game, after such a woeful campaign last year. I wouldn't be surprised to see them put on a terrific attacking display in order to get some early points on the board and boost confidence and morale. Surprisingly, Benteke remained loyal to the club and looks to make a strong start to his season, so it seems as if he will be their danger man and the one to pose a threat.
But enough on Villa. Time to focus on us. With the team being as weak as its been, we will have to make good use of what we have and my ideal line-up would be :
Szczesny
Sagna Koscienly Mertesacker (c) Gibbs
Rosicky Chamberlain
Walcott Wilshere Cazorla
Giroud
It may not be a title winning squad. In fact, its not a title winning squad, yet it is more that capable of beating a side of Aston Villa's calibre and stealing the 3 points.
Expect Giroud to hit the ground running after the pre season he had. I saw a great stat about Giroud a few weeks back that stated - "The last person to score 8 goals in a pre season campaign, was Dennis Bergkamp" (Giroud scored 8 in pre season) so who knows whats to come from the Frenchman this year.
Hopefully, tomorrows game will be dictated by the midfield 3 of Walcott, Wilshere and Cazorla who all need big seasons this year, especially after our lack of movement in the transfer market. They will look to control the pace of the game and put pressure on Villa's young, shaky defence in order to come away with the 3 points. Its strange, but for once I don't seem to have many doubts over our defence, just as long as the take off the way they finished last season in order to keep Benteke at bay.
Prediction : Arsenal 3 - Aston Villa 0 (Giroud, Chamberlain, Walcott)
And on that note, I hope you all enjoy the start of the new season and lets look to get behind the boys start with a bang
Up the Gunners
Keep the Faith
Arsene Wagner
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