Arsenal v Marseille Preview: Too many choices for Wenger

In other news, on loan at Sunderland Arsenal striker Bendtner is scoring. This 'newsflash' intended to illuminate the man, rightfully and long overdue, taking his place on the high table of football reserved  for the Messi and Ronaldos. The numbers say it all, but as Bendtner's recent exploits attest, it's not all about the goals.

I will try and reserve my comments on the goal fest at Stamford Bridge to that one paragraph. This, partly because like a long searched for first orgasm, the mere thought of it is enough to trigger the pleasure shock waves all over again.


Part because with Marsielle coming to the Emirates in just under 10 hours for the reverse Champions League tie that could seal qualification for the Gunners, stale news such a post would be. More frankly though, I find reviews a tad laborious and less exciting a write- though on occasions having missed out on the game for a reason or another, I am glad to chance upon a well written piece.

It is for this reason, that I opt of game reviews as writing is a labor of love: Where there is no love, naught is achieved. Enough of explaining my laziness, back to football. Tuesday night offers another chance for the fainthearted in the Gunner world to rekindle their love with Arsenal and for those who kept their faith, gloat with “I told you so”.

For Arsenal butter-smooth it appears, but not so in terms of team selection as Wenger hinted to at the pre-match press conference. Some are suggesting that the young Welshman Ramsey should occupy a slot somewhere close to Wenger, somewhat like in the press conference, and pave way for Rosicky in the  the starting lineup.

The concerns of course are linked to the ghost of player injuries while the counter argument is that the new creator in chief at Arsenal needs to keep the momentum going. With a side expected to base counter attacking play on solid deep seated organized play, Ramsey's deep box of delight could come in handy.

Similar injury concerns surround Robin Van Persie's selection but as Wenger hinted at the face up with the journalists, the gunner captain could be left to pick up from where he left at the Bridge on his claim for next year's FIFA Ballon d' Or player of the year. Goals in the Champions League a big plus that way.

On a personal note, I am itching for Park to start tonight. For that to happen, the versatility packed in the Korean that Wenger talks so often about could be the key. For on song Walcott who thrives better when the opposing team attacks more liberally, I would opt for the Korean captain with Jenkinson's overlapping runs doing the do of pining back the likes of Ayew and Remy.

I expect Arshavin to start on account of his missing out on Chelsea and his superior record in the less physical Champions League; not forgetting his recent fine form reminiscent of the Andrei Arshavin of St. Petersburg who was so feared across Europe.

Arteta gets a break during the upcoming internationals so the new Arsenal number 8 expected to continue this ship steadying work in midfield. Maybe a decent score with a quarter to go on the clock, rest the Spaniard for the WBA tie for either of the young guns Coquelin and Frimpong, or maybe even Benayoun if the Israeli captain does not come in for Arshavin somewhere past the 60'.

If the game opens up as it wears on, prayerfully because of a comfortable Arsenal lead that forces Marseille to at least try and slash the difference, the speed boys: Walcott, Alex Chamberlain and Ryo could be a welcome addition as RVP makes to the bench and Park moves central.

I am tempted to leave the central defence pairing of Mertesacker and Koscienly intact at the start not because I wouldn't like to see Vermaelen pair either at the back, but mostly because it has been such a  bear hug to see the Belgian join the fray when we need that extra stability at the back in the dying embers of the game. I wouldn't mind if the vice-captain came in for Santos at left back.

Of course, Alex Billong Song starts.

Enjoy the game.


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