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Pick your Arsenal team to face Porto
How will your Champions League line-up compare with Arsene Wenger’s?
16 Feb 2010 11:15:00
By Matthew Weiner | Arsenal Correspondent
Calling all armchair managers! The time has come to pit your wits against Arsene Wenger and see whether he agrees with your team selection for Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 tie against Porto.
Arsenal go into this sticky tie having to grit their teeth because of their many injury problems. As well as the long term absences of Robin van Persie, Johan Djorou and Kieran Gibbs there are a number of other players with sick notes.
The Gunners' attacking options are severely limited due to the hamstring strain of Andrey Arshavin, and Carlos Vela’s slight knee problem sustained against Stoke City. Another player on the casualty list is midfield lynchpin Alex Song, who like Arshavin suffered an injury against Liverpool.
Arsenal will, however, be boosted by the belated return of Eduardo and the continuing presence in the starting line-up of Thomas Vermaelen, despite the heavy bruising that was mistaken for a leg fracture against Aston Villa.
Bearing this news in mind, here’s Goal.com UK's preferred line-up, in a 4-4-2 formation:
Almunia; Clichy, Vermaelen, Gallas, Sagna; Nasri, Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky; Eduardo, Bendtner
It may not be fashionable at the moment, but we’d like to see Arsenal return to the 4-4-2 they’ve had so much success with in the past. The Gunners have been struggling for goals of late - the pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo – a traditional big and little man combination – could suit both strikers.
Denilson has looked off the pace recently so it is the Brazilian who should make way for the extra forward.
And Abou Diaby will require all his new-found maturity to play the holding midfield role usually filled by the injured Alex Song.
Calling all armchair managers! The time has come to pit your wits against Arsene Wenger and see whether he agrees with your team selection for Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 tie against Porto.
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Arsenal go into this sticky tie having to grit their teeth because of their many injury problems. As well as the long term absences of Robin van Persie, Johan Djorou and Kieran Gibbs there are a number of other players with sick notes.
The Gunners' attacking options are severely limited due to the hamstring strain of Andrey Arshavin, and Carlos Vela’s slight knee problem sustained against Stoke City. Another player on the casualty list is midfield lynchpin Alex Song, who like Arshavin suffered an injury against Liverpool.
Arsenal will, however, be boosted by the belated return of Eduardo and the continuing presence in the starting line-up of Thomas Vermaelen, despite the heavy bruising that was mistaken for a leg fracture against Aston Villa.
Bearing this news in mind, here’s Goal.com UK's preferred line-up, in a 4-4-2 formation:
Almunia; Clichy, Vermaelen, Gallas, Sagna; Nasri, Diaby, Fabregas, Rosicky; Eduardo, Bendtner
It may not be fashionable at the moment, but we’d like to see Arsenal return to the 4-4-2 they’ve had so much success with in the past. The Gunners have been struggling for goals of late - the pairing of Bendtner and Eduardo – a traditional big and little man combination – could suit both strikers.
Denilson has looked off the pace recently so it is the Brazilian who should make way for the extra forward.
And Abou Diaby will require all his new-found maturity to play the holding midfield role usually filled by the injured Alex Song.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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