I think this should be another good game. I don't know if Villa will come at us like they do with other teams or just sit back and go for a point. Can't see them sitting back to be honest with them players.

Now, as for Bendtner "leading the line" once again I'm not too sure. I'd much rather see how Vela and Van Persie work together. I was once again really disappointed with Bendtner against Utd, thought he got into some good postions but was very wasteful and creedy at times. I think Vela has done enough to warrant a starting place and be given a run of games.


Anyway I'm going to go for a 3-1 win for the Gunners!! with Agbonlahor nicking a cheeky goal on the 87th minute.

van Persie is still suspended.

But I agree with what you're saying. Carlos definitely deserves a start. Wenger can't ask for a better opportunity to give the kid a proper start. van Persie and Adebayor aren't ready, Bendtner has been awful and Vela has been showing some class in the Carling Cup.

Although he looked to pick up an injury himself in the Wigan game.

I think playing Bendtner up there allows for Diaby's game to work better though so I'm sure Wenger will play him.

Bender "leading the line" makes me sad

Van Persie is still out due to his red card. The last reports I heard is that Adebayor is 50/50, and Almunia is 70/30 on playing.
As much as I want to see Vela get his chance in the league, I think it's best he sits on the bench so we play the 4-5-1 formation with Diaby in the game. Unfortunately as of now, if we play the 4-4-2 formation, Diaby will be left on the bench in favor of Denilson. And we all want Diaby to take that position, but he will not get that chance unless he gets his games. We need to take advantage of our semi selection issue up front right now and play the 5 man midfield so Diaby is in there and can prove to Wenger that he should be ahead of Denilson on the pecking order to partner Fabregas.

I'm wondering where Toure is going to fit into all this. Is he still having lingering effects from his shoulder injury? Has Silvestre taken his spot in the starting XI? He was on the bench against United, and Silvestre and Gallas had a good partnership back there, so does this mean Toure is out? At least for the time being?

I see Villa coming out and playing their football. Really don't see them sitting back unless they grab and early goal.

Playing a side like Villa has to suit Arsenal. And after either sides respective recent results, i've got to go for an Arsenal win.

2-1

I agree with papa there. I really want Diaby to be in the starting XI more than Vela now. He needs to play more games and show us all his worth in his physical play, tackling, passing, etc. As much as I love Vela playing, I'd have Diaby in the line-up now. If Wenger starts Diaby instead of Denilson alongside Cesc, then I'll be happy to give Vela a chance...

of course he is.

Arsenal to win comfortably as Villa try and play football.

3-1.

I think if villa play like they have done the last few games wel get stuffed.But if we can play really well,it should be an interesting game.
hope villa win but i think 2-1 to the arsenal

How did Villa play last season when they drew 1-1, leading up until the last moments of injury time? Tactic wise. Did they attack like they prefer to?

ye they attacked from the off.We played really well considering we were playing a good arsenal team,but got done late on if i remember rightly.I think villa will attack from the off again,with ashley young and carew being our main threat

You've got to fancy Villa's chances from set-pieces really. Throw the ball in for Carew and Laursen to get on the end of, and let bedlam ensue in Arsenal's penalty box. Luckily Gallas is fit again too.

ye off set pieces we've got every chance ov scoring,should be a great game
come on you VILLA

Carew will be a threat in the air but other than that we should be able to cope with their attacking play. Sagna and Clichy will do well to stop their wide play and our central pairing will be raring to go off the back of the impressive United display.

Diaby needs to start so unfortunately that means bench-time for Vela again unless he starts him wide Midfield.

Perhaps if we need goals as the game goes on Vela might start.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind playing Vela up front on his own. Bendtner has been useless as the targetman and his hold up play useless. At least Vela's pace and movement will provide us somebody to play to and not see the ball coming back time & time again. Villa had a great start but they've faded a little bit and this game might be our chance to get at them after our big win last week. Going to be an interesting game nonetheless.

Agreed.

ye i think the gunners will win tho

I don't know if anyone mentioned it here but carew isn't playing according to sky.

I see Arsenal winning 2-0 if Villa start the line up that i see above.

ye i know carew was a doubt,but i was just hoping that he was fit because he is a big plyer for us.
instead we'l have gabby up front on is own or we'l have marlon deadwood on

I like the positive style that Aston Villa play, only thing is if you play it against Arsenal, you get punished.

Should be a good game of pace.

We'l see,lets not forget STOKE