Johan Djourou has been ruled out of the second leg of the Champions League Quarter Final clash with Villareal, which is an absolute huge blow for Arsenal, especially after the news of Gallas being out for the season.
It seems likely that Alex Song will slot in at centre back alongside Kolo Toure, not much of a problem, but I think we’ll miss him in the middle of the park
The good news is that midfielder Marcos Senna will be out for Villareal, after limping off in the defeat to Malaga.
Senna missing for Villareal is a bigger loss for them then us losing Djourou. Don’t get me wrong, Djourou is a quality player, but Senna is the don for the Spaniards, and he can be the difference in a game like this. I actually underestimated Senna, as I thought he was more of a ‘Gilberto/Makelele’ type midfielder, but after watching him in the first leg, this boy can play football.
I still think we’ll be too strong for Villareal at the Emirates, and I’m convinced we’ll win the game. Not comfortably, but we’ll win it. I also think Man United will get a result against Porto to set up a mouth watering semi-final. Arsenal to win the semi’s and face Barcelona in the final all neutrals want to see. The best two footballing sides in Europe. I still fancy Arsenal to win the Champions League, I’ve said it for a long time now, and I’ll keep saying it.
Match prediction – Arsenal 2-1 Villareal. Goals from Adebayor and Nasri.
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Senna was quality last week, and that is good news for Gooners.
Nope… I think Arsene will want to start with Toure and Silvestre at the back. In the middle it will still be Song and Denilson (in a 4-2-3-1). However if, arsenal plays 4-4-2, then Denilson would partner Cesc in the centre and then Song will be on the bench. Arsene will put Silvestre in, because of experience.
Just hope that Silvestre understands his performance on Saturday was rubbish and he needs to improve on it. On the left, Gibbs would stand in. And given Gibbs and Silvestre both on the left side of defence, I would not be suprised to see Villareal attacking down the left.
If I am the manager, I would put Sagna over to the left and Eboue to slot in at the right. Then Toure and Silvestre in the middle, our defence would not be so light-weighted. But given wenger and his policy of not ruining the youngsters, he would let Gibbs continue in the left back position.
In arsene wenger we trust, and in arsenal we love.
Arsenal to win Villareal 2-0, but will struggle to contain Chelsea and Liverpool in the following 2 matches, provided Silvestre and Gibbs continue in the absence of DJ and Clichy.
first am agunner till death seperlate me with the gunners, now we arsenal fans should not celebrate just because sena is out you never know may be they have another secret marco weapon sena so let us just pray that we demolish that team like nonsence ,am kinyua lewis from kenya
I am the gunner 4 ever. The current performance of the gunner is very impressive and interesting.Next , win,win,win…. is must to end the season with reward. Thank you.From Ethiopia,Addis Ababa.
Villareal are still a big threat without Senna, but you are right about the home advantage to Arsenal. A lot of smaller teams don’t feel comfortable in bigger stadiums. 3-0 to Arsenal.
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i think he’ll play silvestre at the back with toure
wenger likes a 5 man midfield in europe and he won’t sacrifice song as hes the only gritty player we have in the middle.
We cant play Silvestre, hes rubbish.
I totally forgot about Silvestre!! It seems likely he will play. As Gary said, we would miss him in the middle of the park as Denilson and Fabregas are a bit too lightweight.
Liverpool 2-0 up at half-time. Luckiest team ever!
Barcelona will beat any team in the semis.