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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Gilberto and 4 3 3 for Slavia Prague

By 1970’s Gooner

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Walcott may get a start tonight against Slavia Prague. Although there is no doubt that Theo has been playing well recently I doubt whether Wenger will go for this selection.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Eduardo should be “dropped”. His performance last Saturday was disappointing to say the least.

He has not yet adapted to the pace, tight marking from behind and in your face type of English football. He could not hold the ball up front with the result that he couldn't connect with Adebayor nor bring other players into the game.

Eboue should also be dropped. He was neither decisive nor penetrative enough. Rosicky who is now fit should take his place. So far so good.

But does Wenger go for 4 4 2 again and play Adebayor and Walcott up front?

Interesting; and a combination we would all like to see at some stage. This is likely to come sooner than later.

Walcott himself revealed in one of his very recent interviews on Arsenal TV On Line that his training regime involves him playing up front through the middle.

The other option is to play a 4 4 1 1 formation with Hleb behind Adebayor. Eboue or Walcott could be the other wide midfielder.

But in my opinion Wenger should select, for obvious reasons, the formation and the players he wants to go with in the next two crucial Premier League games coming up: Liverpool away and Manchester United home.

And you wouldn’t choose to start with Walcott for these games would you? I would also not start with the underperforming Eboue for these two games either.

Which leaves as the only viable selection option for the Champions League game the 4 3 3 formation and the recall of Gilberto in the line up.

Adebayor could then be flanked by Hleb and Rosicky. Fabregas and Flamini pushing forward in support as and when the occasion demands.

This formation would be ideal for the games coming up as we need to be compact in the middle of the field and additionally have the option of bringing impact players, Walcott and Eboue, off the bench if needed.

Prediction: Arsenal Vs Slavia Prague 3-0

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope you are right. You seeem to get it right often enough!

Anonymous said...

A couple of things re: Eduardo

Firstly, this isn't an English game, it's a European game. Secondly, how do you expect to bed in a new signing if you drop him at the slightest hint of indifferent form? That'd be a mistake, I think, as much as I would like to see Theo start, Eduardo needs a run. Maybe rest Ade on the bench, he'll be important over the next couple of weeks.

Anonymous said...

Ironically, I think your reasons for dropping EDS are exactly the reasons why he should play tonight - his style is far more effective against the play of Slavia, than against Bolton's unique approach(!); plus he would have an opportunity to gel with our attackers.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree 1970's. If Wenger use's the 433 and things are'nt working he can still use the 4411 with Hleb behind the front man with the same players. I remember we used this 433 well at home to Liverpool,away to Man Utd and Chelsea last season gaining good results and keeping the ball brilliantly. Ade works well in the 433 as he is a willing runner and worker. Wrighty7

Anonymous said...

i like the idea of both gilberto and flamini working down the middle. we do not have any wingers so we should not be playing with any! adding gilberto will give a calming presence and flamini will only add steel to the midfield. I must flamini is showing more attacking intinct- i love the guy= he is like a little pitbull!. i think ade and edu deserve runs!