Speaking to The Times in a recent interview, Thierry Henry said that it is amazing what Arsenal have done this season, that is, still fighting for the Premiership despite missing Robin van Persie for months. Which is true, but as if that and Aaron Ramsey’s injury are not enough, we now have a new mountain to climb as we have to face Porto in tomorrow’s Champions League game without captain Cesc Fabregas.

It comes natural to say Aaron should be the one to replace Cesc but of course, the Welshman is not available, and will not be for a long time. Having said that, Abou Diaby did really well on Saturday against Burnley so hopefully we will not miss the captain as much as I fear.

Porto

They were in an amazing unbeaten run when we played them 15 days ago but in their last two games, they first lost against Braga and last weekend they needed a 94th minute equaliser to get a point against Olhanense. Before the 1st leg, I said they are nothing special and in all honesty, they didn’t impress me even if they managed to beat us at the Dragão so I am optimistic ahead of tomorrow’s game, although it will not be easy, that’s for sure.

Favourite line-up

Alex Song, Abou Diaby, Sol Campbell and Andrey Arshavin should all be back after missing out or starting on the bench the Burnley game. Alex will of course take his usual holding midfielder role and with Cesc absent, I believe Samir will keep his central role in midfield.

I am not including Bacary Sagna in the line-up because I would personally stick with Emmanuel as right back and Theo in the more advanced midfield position but if Bacary starts then easy will not be for Arsene to decide between Emmanuel or Theo – they are both on fire and both deserving to start.

Pre-match Interviews

Porto will not park the bus. At least this is what midfielder Raul Meireles declared before the game. It’s not in Porto’s mentality to be defensive, he said, adding how they have to stop Cesc Febregas, a job which will be much easier for them, considering the Spaniard is ruled out.

Meireles said:

We will not be ultra-defensive in London. That’s not our style and to try to play that way would be a disaster for us. Arsenal are a dangerous team in attack and to give them the ball would cause chaos for us.

The big battle will be in midfield. We must stop Cesc Fabregas but also the other men in that area. I’m optimistic and our squad have the confidence and belief that we will reach the last eight.

Arsene Wenger said the Gunners will not easily forget the Aaron Ramsey accident although of course, they now have to focus on what lies ahead. Speaking before the game, the Frenchman added how the 19-year old is another reason for Arsenal to do well in these last months of the season.

He said:

We will never forget that accident. But we will just focus on what is important for us. It is another reason for us to do well.

I felt in terms of the commitment there was something still there [against Burnley], maybe it was because the game came after an international game and in the first half there was a lack of focus but I think that has gone now.

The Gunning Hawk Coverage

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