I’ve had a high number of hits on this page today - this blog entry is from the first leg – if you’re looking for today’s game (second leg on 4th March 2008) click here.
Yesterday, I previewed the Arsenal vs AC Milan game – it was an early preview. A lot could have happened and I did assume a lot, but it looks like my assumptions all came true! That never happens.
Well, actually I was not that right… this morning I heard that Almunia had recovered and was ready to play, but on a news release on Arsenal.com, Arsene said;
In other injury news, also confirmed are the returns to the squad and first XI of Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini, Emmanuel Adebayor and Bacary Sagna. Additionally, Walcott and Denilson have been added to the squad, although not 100% fit. Arsene says the battle has to be won in the midfield and has also moved to praise Gilberto recently, who may be regaining some sort of match fitness. Cesc Fabregas believes the experienced Milan midfield can “kill you in a minute” if you are not careful. He goes on to say:
“They have many strengths not just those two. They have players who work hard for the team and they’re one of the best midfields in Europe.
“But we’ve been meeting clubs like Milan in recent years – Juventus, Real Madrid – and we know we can do it. However we’ll have to be at our best.”
And it looks like Eboue has had a little knock, so it’s a change to our somewhat unfavoured 4-5-1 formation.
So here’s the revised line up:
| Lehmann Goalkeeper |
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| Sagna Right Back |
Gallas Centre Back |
Toure Centre Back |
Clichy Left Back |
| Gilberto Defensive Midfielder |
Flamini Defensive Midfielder |
||
| Fabregas Attacking Midfielder |
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| Hleb Right Wing |
Eduardo Left Wing |
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| Adebayor Stiker |
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An interesting news story too, as Capello gets in on the act…
Fabio Capello gives Arsenal a glowing report…
“AC Milan can count on their huge experience and always give their best, but to have a chance against Arsenal they will have to be in top physical condition. They will need players, like Kaká, [Alexander] Pato and Clarence Seedorf in their best form. A strong midfield is important so Andrea Pirlo is a must.”
Catch you later!]]>
