Cardiff preview: Key to victory lies in midfield battle

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Happy Saturday one and all. Right, let’s get down to this, shall we? There’s a small matter of a game going on this afternoon and we’re all pondering: a) what team Le Boss has already planted and will flower before our very eyes today, and b) what type of reaction we’ll get from the players, specifically the performance, against a dogged and surprisingly difficult team to play on their own turf in Cardiff.

It’s the measure of the success of the squad as a whole that we don’t know who’ll be rocking up on the team sheet first thing, such is the wealth of in-form options that Arsene has to pick from. Could it be that we see thee hustle and bustle of a Tomas Rosicky finally enjoying somewhat of an injury-free part of his career and the season in general? Or will there be a chance for Gnabry to show his stuff after recently signing a new deal? Will Monreal keep his place (as I debated yesterday)? Will there be a bit of rotation in central defence, giving the captain a chance to show he’s worthy of a more regular inclusion in the team? Does Santi deserve the chance to operate in the number 10 role with Özil taking a breather? Should Özil and Walcott start together just because of the sumptuous possibilities of those two combining to give Theo plenty of opportunities to improve on last years goal tally?

That’s where we’re at right now folks. We can legitimately suggest that a plethora of changes be made to the team and it’s not because of injury or a paucity of options. We have different compilations, different ways to ‘mix it up a bit’ and a core of players that are united in their one goal of taking that stupid weight of ‘no trophies in x years’ from around their necks and lobbing it into the local pond.

I’ve said before that Arsene doesn’t really like rotation, so it’s for that reason that I suspect we’ll see a very familiar line up today to the one that played against Marseille midweek, to keep consistency of performance. We have all spent the week on Twitter talking to one another about the need to rotate, but when you’re away from home against a rugged opponent that will be feeling fine-diddly-ine after a last-gasp draw snatched from the clutches of defeat against Man United last Sunday, I think there surely has to be an element of continuity that is favoured today. We’ve got a tough game midweek against Hull, but the fact it’s at home should provide a bit more comfort to Arsene when rotating, so I’d be more expectant to see some fresh faces on Wednesday night than this afternoon.

So I think it will mean a drop down to the bench for Monreal, no place for Arteta and a spot on the comfy seats for Cazorla and Walcott. Perhaps Santi will get the nod above Rosicky, but the Czech’s tenacious style away from home seems a more logical conclusion from this Gooners perspective.

As for the opponents, I think the stand out performer from last weekend was Frazier Campbell, but my hope was that he was simply doing that old chestnut of being ‘really up for a game against your former club to show them what they’ve missed’ mentality which means he won’t be giving our back four as torrid a time as he did Ferdinand et al on Sunday.

They have some other good players that can make an impact; the little rat Bellamy springs to mind, as well as Jordan Mutch, but with our boys in the form they are in, the expectation is that we should be able to get something from the game. We’re four points clear in the league for a reason – the form of the players throughout the season thus far - and it’s for that reason that I am hopeful and confident that we can get something from the game today. But in order to do that, we’ll have to win the midfield battle which will I’m sure be interesting to see the stumpy yet effective bulldog Gary Medel look to break up our creative attacking runs and Flamini doing the same for us. Rambo was of course in inspired form against Swansea and the hope is that he is in the same form against his boyhood club today. I expect he’ll be wanting to give even more than the 110% he already does against the Bluebirds and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him on the score sheet at some stage today. Cardiff will look to flood the midfield with a bank of five, with Odemwingie operating as a winger with licence to get further forward and support Frazier Campbell up top. Our midfield two – probably Ramsey and Flamini - will need support from whoever plays in that three just in front of them but if we can bring our full-backs into play more often and further up the pitch, I suspect we’ll be able to pin Cardiff back a bit more.

I’m in Ware in Herts today, so will be desperately trying (and probably failing) to show a pub that shows the game, but will be keeping tabs by any other means necessary. So if you’re on your way, make sure you do your usual thang and sing yer ‘eart out.

Up The Arsenal.

Wrestling back control: both me and Gibbs

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I’ve wrestled control of blogging responsibility back from Benjamin today, who wrote an excellent analysis of Marseille and certainly one of the best I’ve read, if I do say so about our site. I can tell with writing like that he wants to usurp my throne but, like an impenetrable Mertesacker Wall just before an Arsenal goal, none shall pass through.

Tomorrow is the weekend and aside from the fact it means no work and all play, there is also the awesome fact of yet more Arsenal to soak up at 3pm, as the gents travel across the River Severn to Welsh Wales. It will be tough and will no doubt be a challenge for us, but it’s one I think we can overcome and collect the three points, but more of a match analysis tomorrow.

This morning the players will no doubt be taking in some of the final playground match instructions from Le Boss, to which he will then trot off for his pre-match presser and discuss Arsenal’s chances against Cardiff. He’s already given us his pre-pre update on injuries to the official site and it looks like it’s ‘as you were’ for the team. Kieran Gibbs has recovered from illness so the decision will be whether or not he comes straight back into the team and Monreal drops to the bench, or whether he keeps Nacho in and tells Gibbs ‘go on son, win your place back’. The Football Manager in me says to do the latter, but Arsene has won titles before by keeping as consistent a team together as much as possible, so I think he’ll do the old ‘switcharoo’ at left back tomorrow.

I hope he does start to give Monreal more games though. He has shown from midweek that he’s a very good player and is deserving of a place in the team, it’s just a case that he’s up against what I consider to be the best left back in the country right now in Gibbs, so his work is cut out.

I suppose the good thing is that there are plenty of games to rotate the two. If Monreal doesn’t play against Cardiff, he could play at home to Hull or Everton the weekend after next. The thing about Monreal for me is that he is also the lesser of the ‘gamble’ in the team in terms of rotation. He’s been playing more than the other players who are just behind the first eleven, he’s integrated seamlessly into the team on Tuesday night and he’s shown that putting him in any game will not affect the balance of the team. When you compare the impact his change would have on a team in comparison to Fabianksi, Vermaelen or Bendtner, it’s easy to understand a bit of rotation to keep the players fresh.

One player who does seem to be on a constant ‘three weeks to go’ limbo is Lukas Podolski, who we were told ‘three weeks’ last week and I’m pretty sure, two weeks ago too. I don’t know whether it’s Arsene’s plan to wheel a giant cake onto the pitch in a weeks time to ‘surprise’ us all, whereby the loveable German will jump out fully fit, but what was initially expected to be an end of November injury now seems like an end of December one. It’s bitterly disappointing to lose a player that has such clear potency in front of goal, but I suppose we should look at the positives, which are that we have still managed to be successful in the final third without him. Hopefully he can be back to bang in a hat trick against Chelski.

Nico Yennaris has joined Bournemouth on loan for the rest of the season and of course I’m sure we’ll all wish him well. The hope must be that his spell at Bournemouth sees him replicate the trajectory of Jack Wilshere before him, but I fear that he possibly won’t make it at Arsenal, if I’m completely honest. He’s a decent enough player, but with Jenkinson and Bellerin possibly in front of him at right back, and a wealth of first team midfielders in front of him, he feels like a Seb Larsson type of player i.e. Decent enough and will probably find a Premier League club, but not quite at that level to play for Arsenal in future.

There’s not really much more to say at the moment in terms of current Arsenal news, evidence of which can be seen in the fact that people are still talking about ‘sleevegate’, which is so much of a hurricane in a warm beverage holder that I can’t be bothered to dedicate any more time to it.

Just before I sign off for today though, a word on Pat Rice, who the club announced was admitted to hospital with cancer. This is very sad news for all Gooners and the hope across the footballing community is that Pat makes a full recovery. Nobody embodies the term ‘Mr Arsenal’ more than our former player, trainer and assistant coach and you could see two seasons ago when the players all went to celebrate with him, how much the staff all love and respect the Irishman. Thoughts must be with his family at this difficult time.

Catch you tomorrow with a match preview.

Ben’s match analysis: Thoughts on Marseille

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Hi all, hope you’re well?

I’m enjoying this winning malarky. *whispers* it’s because we’re very good… Keep it a secret.

Are we doing better than expected?
Nope. We knew this team had it in them. They just need to do it when it matters. We have all the ingredients – We’ve gained maturity, chucked naivity out the window and we reek of defensive stability. A winning package.

We made three changes to the side that beat Southampton at the weekend. Aaron Ramsey partnered Matthieu Flamini in the double pivot. Tomas Rosicky played alongside Özil and Jack in midfield. Whilst Monreal came in for Kieran Gibbs at left back – Who was ill.

Before the game a French journalist bemoaned Marseilles ‘B Team’ ambitions – Partly down to injuries. But offensively they lacked bite. Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew were out. Whilst they also rested Valbuena and Thauvin, due to there fixture pile-up (and being out). Rod Fanni wasn’t even in the squad – I’ll let you make the jokes.

Did we score too early?
Instantly from the kickoff Marseille broke forward with intent. Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher mentioned on MNF, how the kickoff should be treated as a set-piece. Marseille had a plan. But they just didn’t follow it through and very limply gave away the ball. They pressed with five very quickly. But due to a defensive error the left back completely switched off, Jack broke down the right hand side, cut inside and finished with aplomb. Sumptuous. For the next 15-20 minutes we got much of the same and as the theme of season has been we completed dominated possession. Again I say: there’s a calm maturity about the team, caressing the ball around the pitch looking for an opening.

Our success in recent weeks has been our ability to overload the midfield. We didn’t need to overload against Marseille. Our midfield fluidly switched positions and formation throughout kept them guessing. Only Flamini and Giroud really staying in their designated zones. At times through the season we’ve almost played a 4-2-2-2 – Mainly down to the lack of wide players we’ve had available. We’ve opted for three ball playing midfielders with the aim to create openings with clever movement with guile. Instead of runs in and behind the lines.

I have to admit, however, that I became frustrated with our inability to finish the game off earlier. Because we’ve been so good in recent weeks. I’ve found it hard to expect even losing points let alone goals. Marseille were there for the taking. Our tempo slacked in periods I personally thought it shouldn’t of. In the final third where we are usually so dangerous we faltered and against better opposition we could have been punished. It must be remembered Marsielle were never going to win and so this game should have been seen off earlier.

Wilshere on the Right
The team looked very balanced. I’d argue that was our most balanced side. As I mentioned above, our only issue was our inability to take our chances. If Ramsey had finished his early chance and Özil scored the penalty. We may of had a cricket score. Football is reactionary. For fans and players. Emotions is a major part of the game, players aren’t robots. They do need the rub of the green sometimes.

Jack was deployed on the right, but he did drift. He had the freedom he craves, and enjoys. But, also had the players around him to make it all work for him. Rosicky and Özil are very mobile players and crave space which in-turn, gave Jack room to express himself.

Flamini (as well as others) has offered something we’ve missed as a team – well, since he left the club – defensively stability. The way he covers the defence, if and when they step out, is incredible (and yet so basic). His natural instinct is fabulous. When good fortune gave Gignac his opportunity early in the first half, Szczesny came flying out and collected the ball very efficiently. Flamini became a centre back then sprinted to the goal line for the brief second it looked like Gignac was going to round Szczesny. Priceless defending.

The shape of the team gave Jack not too many defensive responsibilities. Marseilles focus of played seemed to be more central, also allowing him even more freedom, whilst Flamini marshalled the team; when to push and when to press. Throughout Sagna and Monreal were almost in midfield – Even more cover.

I currently think that’s the way forward for him. He’s a special talent and needs nurturing. Protect him and let him grow naturally.

Mesut Özil
He’s bloody well good. The End. Kidding, well sort of. He’s exquisite but his price tag is going to confuse many. He’s never going to be a player who will own the ball the way Fabregas did or be a powerhouse like Patrick Vieira was. He has an effortless presence on the pitch, an ability to appear static for long periods, then suddenly spring into life. Opponents will try to keep Özil quiet – To counteract that, he will thread a clever pass into the path of a runner or embarrass defenders with a classy flick.

It’s what he does when he quickly bursts into the final third with the ball that will define Özil’s contribution to Arsenal. That’s why he can often be a player who frustrates fans.

Distribution
You may, or may not remember I’ve recently mentioned about our inability to pass the ball out from defence, when under pressure. We missed vertical movement at times. Tuesday night, we distributed the ball very well. For one thing, because Marsellie didn’t press as intensively as others have against us in the recent weeks. But Ramsey and Rosicky took turns dropping in and collecting the ball. It helped raise the tempo and confused the OM midfield – Not knowing who to track. Against Dortmund (at home) Arsène got the midfield three to drop deeper to try and help out. But, Dortmund counteracted that, penning us back even further. With a more fluid midfield, the opposition are unable to track our midfield and leads to more success.

I still think moving forward we need an improvement in the deeper position in our midfield – I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

Player reviews

Szczesny – Very impressive throughout the night. His impressive distribution continued. When he was called into action he dealt with it, with ease. Improves every time he plays.

Sagna – Very solid. Very, very advanced.The Frenchman found a lot of space in their final third so he continued to push. Didn’t have to do to much defensively.

Mertesacker – Awseome again. I can’t remember him misplacing a pass. He has ice in his veins. Player of the season so far?

Koscielny – Had a great game. Was very impressive with all of his one on one battles. Seems to really step up when needed. A few slack long passes. Positionally good.

Monreal – Excellent considering his lack minutes. Brings a much needed urgency in attack and defence. Always in the right place at the right time. I bet he wonders what he has to do to get a start…

Flamini – Made the whole operation tick. Orchestrates everything. Head puppeteer. His tactical awareness was fantastic. Slightly concerned about his distribution.

Ramsey – Put in a huge shift. A great team performance. Won the penalty. Should of scored his chance. Sloppy in the final third at times. Positionally improving.

Özil – A slack first half and an equally slack penalty. Still reeked of class. The way he finds space is class. A marvellous assist for Jacks second. He will purr like a Rolls Royce, just needs time.

Rosicky – One of our top performers on the night. Brought a lot going forward. Smartly runs with the ball. Positionally smart. Took responsibility in midfield giving others freedom. A proper adult.

Wilshere – He’s getting to grips playing out wide. Marvellous goals. His hunger, class and effort was never in question. Just needed some luck. ‘What ever Ramsey can do, I can do’. He’s almost back…

Giroud – Won a lot of duels with their defenders. Awesome work rate. The timing of his runs was fantastic. Still on a high from World Cup Qualification. A solid night from the Frenchman.

I’ll leave you with this. Tough questions are surfacing. Is Jack Wilshere better than Aaron Ramsey in the double pivot? Is Aaron Ramsey better than Özil as a ten? is Özil better than Theo out-wide? We’ll save that for next time.

Carry on the good work Arsenal. Good times.

Cheers for reading,

Be happy,

Ben

All-Jacktion – Marseille review

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So we go into Matchday six in our ‘Group of Death’ top and with everything still in our hands. A win against a clearly confidence-shorn and obviously limited Marseille team sets us up with 12 points which, in any other season, would probably see you top a group but most certainly would see you qualified by now.

The victory for Dortmund in Germany last night has shown the quality of the three teams in this fight to the death; it will most certainly be a travesty that one team of the three will go out, especially when you look at some of the other groups and some of the other teams likely to go through.

But such is life and, whilst I don’t sound overly happy, let me assure you I certainly am a chappy of that characteristic. We were dominant from within the first minute to the last and I don’t know about you, but I felt that had we wanted to, we could have got more goals from the game than we did. We probably should have, what with the Özil penalty and a hat-trick of good saves from Mandanda from Ramsey, Giroud and Özil in both halves. But even though the ‘keeper had a great game, even though we were dominant throughout and even though you could see the confidence oozing through the team, I felt that we were only really in third gear for most of the game. Which is a good thing! We knew we had the beating of Marseille, they knew it, and as a result we never had to exert ourselves too much. We’ve got a lot of games coming up in the next few weeks and so the need to expend any more energy than we have to was, thankfully, negated in less than a minute.

Step forward Jack Wilshere. Undoubtedly my man-of-the-match and having not seen any TV commentary or post-match reports yet, I don’t know whether or not he picked up that accolade from the media too. He was the ‘all-action’ Wilshere that we saw a few years ago. Energy, effort, drive and determination. In fact, it wasn’t so much ‘all-action’, but more of ‘all-Jacktion’ (see what I did there????).

For me it wasn’t so much his two well taken and composed finishes, but his turn of pace and beating of his man that stood out, leading me to wonder whether the ‘burst’ that Arsene had previously spoken about him lacking of late had finally returned. Of course we need to see a few more games of that ilk from our feisty Englishman, but it augurs well for the future, as far as I’m concerned.

And isn’t it nice that we seem to have a different stand-out player that seems to step up each week these days? This team has more spirit and collective belief in itself than any of the previous incarnations since The Invincibles era. This team isn’t about one superstar like the Cesc 2007/8 side, or the Dutch Bloke side of 2011/12 season, it’s about the sum of all parts. When one of the cogs isn’t quite functioning, the rest of the team take the burden and in some cases, one steps forward. Last night it was Wilshere, on Saturday it was Giroud and so often it has been Ramsey that has been that man. Hell, even Szczesny and Arteta playing in roles where you’re unlikely to be on the end of scoring goals, have been stand out performers.

You can see the confidence in this side that is flowing through the team in the way they pop the ball around amongst each other. There were times yesterday when our passing looked effortless, probably because it was, but this is what you get with Wenger teams that are high on confidence. Wenger teams that are on winning runs purr.

But what’s also pleasing to note is that we’re not on a winning run, in theory, as we suffered a defeat to United just three games ago. Why is that pleasing? Because it shows a degree of….pause for dramatic effect…..”mental strength”……pause to let that settle for a second…..to this current incarnation. They have the ability to take one on the chin and still be ready to get down in a dogfight. No more glass chin for us. At least I hope not anyway.

Back to the game in question though, we didn’t have it all our own way yesterday, with one very smart save from Szczesny at his near post ensuring that our defence remained un-breached (is that a word? Siri doesn’t seem to think so, but what does he know?). That’s three four out of five games that we’ve had a clean sheet against teams that are all of a quality level in which you’d expect us to concede (Liverpool, Dortmund, Man Utd, Southampton, Marseille). You can’t just win competitions by scoring a hatful of goals, you need to be able to ensure you’re not conceding them and with the defence as solid as it is (Wenger even able to rest Gibbs and replace with the excellent Monreal last night), we will be right up there in the mix this season if our first choice defenders can remain fit and injury-free.

I don’t really know if there’s much more to say on last nights game, other than it was once again great to meet more Arsenal fans in the Tollington and more friends to share a jar or two with whilst talking about our collective passion: The Arsenal.

Enjoy your day.

A3 posters with fluorescent markers to emphasize focus – Marseille Preview

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Happy Game Day Gooners, how goes it? For me, it’s a welcome day, possibly more so than some, because it’s been a fully 24 days since I last frequented The Emirates, what with the United away game, plus the Interlull, plus the fact I gave away my tickets for Saturday to secure the future of a young Gooner from being indoctrinated into the horrible world of being a Surrey Manc. I’m pleased to report that the operation was a complete success, the kid is now hooked – so says his Pa.

Liverpool was the last game I was at and I’ve been getting the shakes it’s been so long. It will be a welcome sight to see the stadium rise from among the concrete world of North London as the boys take to the field against a Marseille team that, although in theory they have nothing to play for, we all know they have something to play for: Pride.

Let’s not forget where too much pride gets you – a fall – so it’s important that we’re not too over-confident of victory tonight. The Germans we lined up against last season felt the game was done and dusted at our place at the beginning of this year and look where they ended up; running the ball into the corners playing for time against an Arsenal team that, unbeknownst to us on that evening, have been in the finest of forms since then. We’ve carried some amazing form from that day and it is performances like we have seen at the back-end of last season or the beginning of this season have put us in a fabulous position in both domestic and European competition. But that most tired of clichés – you don’t win anything in November – needs to be unfurled in big A3 sheets of paper in the dressing room before kick off tonight. And for good measure big Per should circle the permanent marker ink with fluorescent blue and yellow ink with arrows pointing at the words just to make sure.

It will be an interesting one to see what Arsene does tonight in terms of team selection. We’re getting into a heavy volume of games in the run up to the Christmas period so an element of rotation is inevitable. But when does he rotate and whom? Does Monreal get the nod tonight with Gibbs in mind for Cardiff away? Should Vermaelen be given a chance against what has statistically been proven to be the weakest team in the Champions League group stages? Is it time for Jack to rest so he is ready, willing and more importantly able to perform to his highest standards at a tricky away trip into Wales on Saturday? There are lots of questions to which I have no idea. And I’ve given up second-guessing Le Boss because I’m normally wrong. What we do know however, is that Marseille will not sit back and let us have the ball for the whole game. They still have players that can cause us damage and in Valbuena they have tricky little midget that dictates the play if he get’s enough time on the ball. Andre Ayew will not play due to injury, and the unfortunately named Rod Fanni will not be available too.

As for our lads, I suspect we might see one or two rotated from Saturday, but no more than that. Given Theo has been out for so long, I’m not sure that he’ll start, but I do think he will make an appearance and can certainly cause damage to Marseille. Champions League teams tend not to sit as deep as domestic teams, so they will I am sure provide plenty of green grass for Walcott to run into. In a way it’s a shame that this game and the game against Cardiff aren’t further spaced apart, because I’d earmark those two games for Walcott to start given the fact that both teams will probably be pressing more forward than Hull and Everton at The Emirates, but hey-ho. I think we’ll see Tomas Rosicky given the nod after a quiet game from Cazorla at the weekend and, despite the news that Arteta is fit and available, I wonder if Arsene will be tempted to do a bit of rotation between Flamini and Mikel. We’ve seen the ‘double pivot’ work against Napoli but it was reliant on an early goal to settle the nerves, yet at Manchester United I’m not sure it was deployed to the greatest effect. If you rest Arteta today it gives an opportunity for him to be ready against Cardiff, so that would be my preferred option.

The back four practically picks itself. We need to get the points on the board as quickly as possible and, if Napoli do us a favor tonight against Dortmund, providing we get the win at home then we will be through and it will give Le Boss the chance to rotate a little in the last game of the group stages. I also think that Arsene will be looking at the Hull game as an opportunity for rotation rather than this one, so I think the only major changes we’ll see are Rosicky for Cazorla and Flamini for Arteta.

Focus and concentration are the name of the game tonight. We need to be on it and make sure that we have the determination to get to that 12 point marker which, I’m still convinced should see us through into the next round. I’m taking The Management along tonight in the hope that her continual ability to watch games at the Emirates that usually finish with Arsenal winning by three goals becomes another reality. If we do win tonight by that margin, give her a shout out on Twitter with thanks – Nichola_Howard

That’s it from me tonight – Up the Arsenal!

SG Podcast 7 – Live from Hawaii

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The seventh Suburban Gooners podcast includes the usual crew of Ben, Chris & Steve but, as our first ever guest, we are also pleased to have Paul (aka Invinciblog – co-owner of Gunners Town) joining us live from Hawaii. This week we talk Southampton, Marseille and Cardiff…we also have a cheeky laugh at the Spuds.

You can play the pod below, download it or subscribe on iTunes.

Direct Downlaod - left click to play or right click to ‘save as’

iTunes

Rotation is the name of the game

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A happy Monday to you. It’s one month exactly until Christmas, but let’s all give thanks for the gift that keeps on giving: The spuds. Administered by Andre Villas Boas who is now beginning to be, unfairly but obviously given their own fickle nature as fans, roundly lambasted by his own supporters.

Even Cardiff saw fit to grant us another little gift with a last-gasp equaliser against a United side who should have been without Rooney, but who once again, do not look the same all-conquering side they were. I still think they’ve got enough experience to be up there come the end of the season, but wouldn’t it just be spiffing to see them finish fifth (with us winning it of course), to then see a tantrum from the little boy inside That Dutch Bloke as he realises that he’s made a huge error? Wouldn’t that just be grand?

As for us, well, we’ve managed to nudge ourselves a little further this weekend with our dogged performance against Southampton and with a hectic schedule coming up for the remainder of the year any lead we can establish that affords us some ‘wiggle room’ is welcome. But between now and January 1st we’ve got nine games in five weeks. That’s a lot of football and means our four point lead can be very quickly whittled away.

We have no time for laurel resting; we need to be ready to go again tomorrow night, then on to Cardiff before a couple of home Premier League games against Hull and Everton. There’s going to be tired legs that will start to emerge and the fabled ‘red zone’ is already taking bookings for room availability.

Rotation simply has to be the name of the game. Arsene must feel confident in shuffling his pack. We all know he prefers continuity of his first eleven, but he’s going to have to get a little bit ‘tinker man’ if we want to avoid longer term injuries brought on through fatigue. The challenge will be to rotate in small measures. A game for Monreal, Rosicky and Arteta one day, then on another day trying Vermaelen, Gnabry and Walcott into the side. Doing rotation in small measures could ensure we can give some players a chance to rest, whilst others are given an opportunity to prove their worth by coming in and being given a chance. The good thing about the squad as I see it, is that there are plenty of experienced players that we can do that with. Ok, there are some positions that we simply can’t afford to rotate – like Szczesny (although fatigue is less of a problem), Sagna and Giroud, but in other areas of the pitch it simply has to be the name of the game.

Yesterday the lads and I were joined on the SG Pod by Paul from Invinciblog to discuss exactly that (rotation) amongst other things. You can have a listen to the Pod here, although when this blog goes live first thing today it might not be update, because getting Steve to do things before 11am is always a challenge, so check back in the PM to see it uploaded.

Anyway, going back to my original point, which is that I hope we start to see a bit of squad management from Le Boss. It’s an important part of the modern game and, unlike in seasons past, I feel we have plenty of players sitting behind the first eleven as it stands at the moment, who can come in and do a very good job, or even take a starting spot. It’s that kind of competition that will keep all of the players hungry and that’s why we need to be giving opportunities now.

The good news is that I think there will be games where we can afford to shuffle the pack a little. I don’t think Marseille at home is one, nor Cardiff away, but Hull at home should be a game that a couple of players on the fringes should be given to play in. Everton at home could have maybe one or two rotated (as in someone like Walcott in for Cazorla, or Monreal for Gibbs), and depending on the result in the other Champions League game between Dortmund and Napoli, the away game in Italy could be one to consider making changes if we’re already through. All in all, there are opportunities for rotation in my opinion, and I think it would be foolish not to take them given the great position we find ourselves in.

Catch y’all tomorrow with a match preview.