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 (4th March 2008) click here.
Okay, it’s six thirty and just an hour until kick off. Let’s have a look at the starting line up against AC Milan.
The Squad
Lehmann, Sagna, Gallas, Toure, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Eduardo, Fabianski, Senderos, Bendtner, Gilberto, J Hoyte, Traore, Walcott, Denilson.
First XI
Jens Lehmann (GK)
Lehmann retains his place after Almunia failed to recover from flu and then a stomach bug.
We all hope Lehmann can have a performance that we know he can and why he was brought to the club!
Bacary Sagna (RB)
Sagna is back and will bring steel and stregth to the back four as well as a good attacking option.
William Gallas (CB)
Gallas will captain the side and after his shaky performance on Saturday, we hope he gives us a captain’s performance.
Kolo Toure (CB)
Toure is back from African Nations duty, back from a re-introduction to the premier league up north!
Kolo is a player who can win this game for us.
Gael Clichy
Clichy also returns to the side and has recovered from his “musclar” injury. He will add both defensive and attacking steel to the left hand side.
Emmanuel Eboue (RM)
Eboue has got the nod ahead of a returning Walcott. Without RVP and Rosicky, we have no other option… if you remember Eboue against Man U at the Emirates last season, we know Eboue can contribute!
Mathieu Flamini (DM)
Flamini has been in great form this season and hopefully will have another top notch performance.
Flamini on Gattuso: I don’t want sound disrespectful to the guy because he’s amazing but I think I’m a different player to him. I’m more attacking. We try and play a little more football. And, anyway, I want to make my own name in the football world.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
This boy is the heartbeat of our team… when he’s on form, so are we. Cesc vs Kaka, an awesome dual.
Cesc on Milan: When you play against Milan, you don’t need extra motivation. We have to come back and be stronger than ever
Aleksandr Hleb (AM)
Hleb is our connoisseur’s favourite and we will look to Hleb to unlock the Milan defence.
Emmanuel Adebayor (CF)
12 goals in 9 games. As ANR reports suggests If Adebayor has a good night against Milan, Arsenal will be fine. That’s very true. Ade – it’s your time.
Eduardo (CF)
Our little gem, no one’s talking about him, no one’s mentioned his name. But he can finish, has pace and could be our “secret weapon” tonight…
The Bench
The is confirmed as:
Fabianski – he’s had his good games and his bad, he is unlikely to be needed (I hope)
Senderos – has come back to form of late
Bendtner – not really shown or had many chances since his winner at the Emirates against Sp*rs.
Gilberto – starting to gain some match pratice,
Walcott – 80% fit but could be an important cameo
Denilson – Returns to the side, unlikely to play
Hoyte – Keeps his place in the 16, unlikely to feature.
The Milan XI is as follows:
Milan XI
Zeljko Kalac 16
Kakha Kaladze 4
Paolo Maldini 3
Massimo Oddo 44
Alessandro Nesta 13
Andrea Pirlo 21
Ivan Gennaro Gattuso 8
Massimo Ambrosini 23
Clarence Seedorf 10
Kakà 22
Pato 7
Subs
Alberto Gilardino 11
Christian Brocchi 32
Filippo Inzaghi 9
Valerio Fiori 29
Emerson 5
Daniele Bonera 25
Marek Jankulovski 18
Come on you gunners!
Let’s hope my next blog is a very happy one!]]>
