Well, I don’t know why only Arsenal games are on weird timings. I prefer weekend because you don’t have to think of tomorrow. It’s a midnight one here in India, finishes by 3am and on a Monday.
But, it’s not going to stop us from watching and supporting the team. City has made our lives difficult, from now on till the end of this season, every game is going to be a must-win because Pep is brutal.
Palace won their first game against Sheffield and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The one good thing is their is no Zaha, he loved to make our life difficult and usually ended up on scoresheet. Under Roy Hodgson Crystal Palace has a brilliant track record. They warded off the relegation towards the end of last season, and during his tenure, they have managed to keep an average of 15 shots per game. They surely are going to test of defence and I hope Arteta don’t do a Arteta again by playing Thomas at RB.
Team News
Timber is out for long. Jesus is still unavailable. Zinchenko might make it today and I would personally like to see a back line of White, Gabriel, Saliba and Zinchenko / Tomiyasu depending on Zinny’s availability. Rice + Partey in the midfield with Odegaard in advance role. Saka and Martinelli on either wings with Nketiah up top. There is no need to be fancy, I understand the need to be un-guessable (if that’s a word) but putting Partey at RB hurts more than it benefits. Taking out Gabriel from starting XI means Saliba is playing on his non-favorite CB side, Partey is unsettled at RB, Midfield is devoid of Partey’s brilliance and it’s all a mess. Movement of Partey to the midfield when we have the possession is the only thing you can take it up as a positive in this case, but it makes us week in defence.
Stick to basics.
We have enough bench support, Kai, ESR, Trossard can play in any advance position, Kiwior can have some game time, Raya will most likely make the bench today. Tomiyasu and Tierney are back to fitness.
Talking of our RW, Saka scored one in the first game against Forest and it was a marvellous goal. He is best in his position in the world at the moment and has started or played as a sub in our last 81 PL games! Now that’s an unbelievable thing, maintaining that fitness and form for more than 2 seasons in a row. He plays PL, cup games, closed door friendlies and if I organize a 5-a-side in my neighbourhood, I’m sure he won’t deny playing in that too. Brilliant kid, best in the world currently, I wish him well and hope we provide a platform where he can win big things.
Mikel was particularly happy with Saka and has things to say about him.
on Bukayo Saka’s development:
source : Arsenal.com
I think it keeps growing year by year, and you set him new targets and he sets himself new targets and new demands and he seems to complete those. He’s extremely hungry and willing to learn and improve and become the player that decides the game every three days, and that’s what he has between his two eyes. He’s a very focused boy and he does everything to do that – the way he trains, the way he prepares himself, the way he lives his life. I’m very happy so he needs to keep doing what he’s doing.
Wrapping Up
Mondays are hell, but hopefully it will end well for us Gooners. Don’t forget to share your thoughts about potential starting XI and predict the score against Palace. I would love some clean sheet and 3-0 for Arsenal would make me happy.
That’s it emails written and can start to think about the game.
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We’ve never lost a game at home to Fulham, so I hope I’m not jinxing that. It’s no secret we’ve yet to settle into Arteta’s new system and the Fulham game may well be the right opponent to find our rhythm.
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Jesus is fit to play so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was included in the starting 11. Anticipation will be high to see how Havertz and and Jesus can gell in and around the Fulham area. .
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Lots of things come to mind, but I think this is a good preview to the game with some excellent facts. Trossard instead of Havertz would be good for me and ESR and Ode sharing the game.
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https://theanalyst.com/eu/2023/08/arsenal-vs-fulham-prediction-and-preview/
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4:0 is my prediction, but you know how bad my predictions are so bet on them at your peril 🙂
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See you at the game LIR
Hi Tony
I think we’ll win today but the manner of the victory will be determined by the first 10 minutes. If we play with pace and urgency, rapid passing and less pissing about across the back 4, then I think your prediction could be right. But if it’s ponderous, and Fulham go low block (which I don’t think they will, fully at least) then it’ll be far narrower. Would be good to see Jesus come on and grab a goal. That guy spreads confidence through the team when he’s on the score sheet.
Yeah, on EC, I’m no fan of his music (although I liked cream) but at least we have him to thank for the rar movement which lit up punk and rock n roll in the late 70s and reduced the threat of the national front.
Oh and enjoy the game Tony and others. I’ll be using my 75 pound season ticket watching County at home to Caernarfon (home to possibly THE finest medieval castle in Wales). They need a win to get their season going. I’ll watch Arsenal later on MOTD (yuck!). A 6 mile drive – piece of piss!
KP
A game of ifs today. I’m just going to the positive and hoping.
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When it comes to music I listen to the music first, and then the way the voice is used as an instrument – the lyrics come last for me. There, they influence me the least. It’s why I don’t champion artists for the lyrical compositions; for me it’s all about the feel and production that makes the song come alive.
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That said I can understand the influences you took from more radical and indie bands.
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Punk I never understood at any level anarchy wasn’t for me. Music was my master at those times.
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I was too engrossed in the Pink Floyd, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Spirit, Maze, Kokomo, Camel, Steely Dan and many more. Being an engineer those were the areas I wanted to work in. I was a fan of the new wave/romance and electric pop eras. I can remember ;little of their lyrics but remember the music clearly.
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Stiff had eclectic artists that were typically Stiff. A ragged bunch of innovators that never really hit main stream bar, Elvis Costello, Madness and Ian Dury. Lene Lovitch and Wreckless Eric and other minor bands had small hits.
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I understand your dislike of EC, but feel you’re missing out on some incredible music with lyrics put aside.
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All politicians lie; it’s a crucial part of their work to do so. Manifests are never real just figments of imagination to gather votes then forgotten about. For you. KP, with your years in the foreign office it’s all linked to whoever is in power, and you would have far more interest in governments than I ever could because I assume they affected how the FO operated. Just a guess, KP.
KP – Enjoy the game. I want to take Mrs T to Wales and Ireland and look at the castles and learn their particular history. I really enjoy Euro historical TV series when they have a decent production.
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6 miles? Will you make 4th gear getting home? 🙂 Drive safely now more accidents happen within close proximity to one’s home.
what a shit show, both with the selections and with that baffling first goal for Fulham…if I was teh opposition I would be pushing to get behind this makeshift back 4 all day long
surely Gabs must be on his way out, unless this is just another MA doghousing gig…not to mention, Zinchenko simply can’t be relied upon as a regular LB due to his obvious fragility and Havertz seems to have a Eddie-like first touch in front of goal
TrVL
We have got the match day blog love.