THE WOLVES OF CHANGE

It has become quite apparent in most news papers and articles this week, that Arsenal are a serious party-pooper this year for the expected United-Chelsea title contest.

Alex Ferguson came out this week and told Wenger and Benitez to forget the title, it’s between him and Ancelotti. Now, the latter of these two managers can certainly put aside dreams of title glory. Even the most diehard scouser must now know the game is up and that they could soon find themselves focusing solely on domestic cups.

But to tell Arsenal and Arsene Wenger that Man United with their flat, un-thrilling, ridiculously-lucky football is more of a threat to Chelski this term is ludicrous.

Arsenal actually appear the firm favourites to win the Premiership this year (and this is a statement I never thought I would hear myself saying for a long while) with their vibrant football, incisive passing, improved defending and finishing.

I find it rather condescending to see that some Sports papers are still calling us ‘in-form’ Arsenal ahead of the Wolves game. It seems some pundits are still determined to undermine Arsene at every turn with what they perceive as a ‘bent’ approach to football that contradicts the capital system being flaunted by Chelsea and City. Truly, the only way Chelsea can catch up with us after losing several key players in January is to spend big – huge in fact.

However, here they could run into a bit of a ‘sticky’ patch as Arsenal appear set to be taken over by billionaire businessmen Stan Kronke in the next few weeks. He himself has a personal fortune of around five billion pounds. But when you consider his wife, air to the Wal-Mart fortune stands to inherit over three-hundred-billion pounds, we stand in good stead against even Manchester City!

The American’s designs on the club are as of yet unknown but Arsene seems to trust the man that already owns several teams spanning the sporting spectrum of the USA.

But the prospect of Arsene being allowed to spend on those players he most covets adding to our already unreal squad is actually creating some movement in my nether regions as I type!

The thought of Igor Akinfeev, David Villa, David Silva, Lionel Messi (ok, that one might be a bit of a stretch!), Edin Dzeko, Neven Subotic, Daniele De Rossi, Brede Hangeland etc.

Players Arsene Wenger has talked about or mentioned, if Kronke does allow Wenger some serious ‘sugar’ in the January window Chelsea and United respectively, will be in serious trouble.

Imagine if you will, David Villa ‘hooking’ up with Fabregas, Arshavin, Nasri, Rosicky. Being flanked by the speed of Walcott, supported by the strength of Song and De Rossi!

Setting aside childish, giddy imaginings let’s move swiftly onto the weekend encounter with Wolves. Whilst two of our title rivals are tearing each other to shreds, we have the chance to quietly approach the pair, and before they know it we’re spring boarding them and leading the race into Christmas.

This is another chance to prove how lethal we are, how vicious and clinical, merciless and uncompromising. This is one of those games that should be a routine. One, two, three, nine nil it really doesn’t matter, as long as we come away with the three points.

My preferred staring line-up for tomorrow would be:

Almunia

Sagna     Gallas     Vermaelen     Gibbs

Song     Diaby

Arshavin     Fabregas     Nasri

Van Persie

Clichy of course is injured as is Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Walcott will resuming training next week which is a huge positive as even more strength is added to our squad.

With Rosicky and Eduardo on the bench we have some real attacking options as well. But I would like to see Samir given the nod after a great performance on his return to the champion’s league on Wednesday night.

Again, I’ve sort of got into this superstitious thing where I believe predicting a result will lead to an Arsenal loss but I do expect a healthy win.

Oh how the winds have changed though. From being no hopers in August that wouldn’t even get into the top four we’ve come a mighty long way to now be in my view, favourites for the league.