• Fabregas signed memorabilia
  • Carlos Vela Mexico World Cup Jersey
  • Arsenal Jerseys
  • Arsenal Home Kit 2008/10
Latest from The Gunning Hawk:
Home » By The Fans, NewsNow

Arsenal vs Olympiakos preview: The start of a pivotal week. Plus favourite line-up

Written by Chris on September 27, 2011 – 20:00

The Gunning Hawk - ForumEmirates Stadium, Arsenal

The Game

Arsenal welcome Olympiakos Piraeus to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as tomorrow we kick-off a pivotal week that will end on Sunday at White Hart Lane.

Needless to say, all we should aim for in these two games is a win as anything but would be a big blow considering the terrible start to the season.

Ultimately, Arsene Wenger can incorrectly insist as much as he wants that our season started at the end of the summer transfer window but in the meantime we are nine points from the top of the table and when you’re so far from the top you simply cannot afford to drop more points.

Meanwhile, one of the few certainties of the season is that Jack Wilshere will not feature before February, or September, if he is to go through the same nightmare suffered by the likes of Tomas Rosicky and Thomas Vermaelen. Another fact is of course that our manager will call the then 20-year old Jack “like a new signing” in January 2012.

Missing Jack in midfield is like missing Robin in the offensive department so the next few months will be very, very difficult for the likes of Mikel Arteta, Alex Song and Aaron Ramsey with the Welshman, apparently, the one to be promoted as regular now that the Englishman will be sidelines for months. I liked Aaron on Saturday but as it’s almost always the case with Arsenal players it’s all down to consistency.

On a more positive note and even though we are missing key players, I believe tomorrow’s game can be just what we need to keep on improving our confidence after the convincing Bolton display as I’m confident that we can produce a very good display and register a very good win.

And finally, I wanted to conclude by again mentioning the fantastic century achieved by Robin at the end of last week, 100 goals that he would have surely achieved earlier if it wasn’t for injuries but ultimately what is important is that the Dutchman is now fit, in form and firing on all cylinders.

As always, my favourite line-up is below. Remember you can submit your own at Arsenal Interactive and then share it on Twitter and Facebook.

Favourite line-up

Arsenal vs Bolton Wanderers

Thinking about Sunday would be foolish as yet again I agree with Arsene when he says that we should take it one game at a time.

But, we have injury concerns as Theo Walcott, Gervinho and Laurent Koscielny are all out. This means that we should start with a similar line-up to the one that started against Bolton but with changes in all the departments as I would drop Alex Song deep with Emmanuel Frimpong in midfield and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting on the right.

Remember, Johan Djourou is out injured and according to our manager Sebastien Squillaci will resume training on Friday or Saturday so our options at the back are very limited.

And, if we take a comfortable lead early in the second half, it would be nice to see the likes of Chu Young Park and Marouane Chamakh so as to give Robin proper rest ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Gunning Hawk Coverage

As always, tune in for team line-ups, streaming links, half time and full time reports, post-match thoughts, video highlights and what the press is writing. And of course, do contribute if you want to by making use of the comment box available at the bottom of the post as it’s always nice to hear your opinion. And as a final note, if you want to go one step further than just leaving a comment and want to have your articles published on our website, take a look here for more information.

Arsenal Interactive

And of course, don’t forget you’re still in time to pick your preferred team for this game. And when the final whistle blows, don’t forget to rate the players, comment on their performances and share your personal ratings with your friends. All this and more, available at http://www.arsenal-interactive.com.

Share this Gunning Hawk article:
  • Print
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon

  • Unbeaten.49 says:
    September 27, 2011 at 23:08

    I read somewhere that Miquel is also injured.

    Reply to this comment »
  • JohnStilton says:
    September 27, 2011 at 20:40

    Given our situation, the opposition, our position in the PL and the coming game against Spuds I would rest our key players and give a chance to the benchers.

    Scesny
    Jenkinson-Per-Miquel-Santos
    Coquelin-Frimpong
    Rosicky
    Chamberlain-Arsh
    Chamack

    Reply to this comment »
    • paris86 says:
      September 27, 2011 at 20:55

      yes, but it’s maybe too risky. we’ve seen before that the team is good (your line-up is better than Olyimpiakos’ squad) but they are not synchronized to each other so we might get a bad result wth this squad.

      a mix of first-team and bench players with the main players like RvP on the bench if they don’t perform would be the best.

      Reply to this comment »
  • nicky says:
    September 27, 2011 at 20:53

    Yet again, early in the season, we have this appalling injury list. While I appreciate that all the Gooner internet sites are bound to report the list in detail, is it possible that Arsenal are actually no worse off than most other Clubs?
    It just seems that we are so badly hit, every season, key players, for long periods.
    If only we could be assured that our training methods are NOT the cause and our fast, close passing game isn’t either. That leaves the medics though and one can only give them the benefit of the doubt.
    Meanwhile, the curse continues without a satisfactory answer.

    Reply to this comment »
    • paris86 says:
      September 27, 2011 at 21:06

      Arsenal moto seems to become:
      Not injury prone? Well, no problem at all!
      Join us and get experience in that area too!

      i don’t think that Squillaci, Benayoun, Vermaelen, Gervinho or Kosceilny had a bad injury record before they joined Arsenal. So Arsenal is definetly the problem but i hope we know soon what’s the actual problem here.

      Reply to this comment »
  • oz says:
    September 27, 2011 at 22:01

    watching nasri and clichey getting run around like muppets and doing their usual disappearing act in big games.

    Reply to this comment »
    • Unbeaten.49 says:
      September 27, 2011 at 23:10

      Can I rate this Up 50 more times??

      Reply to this comment »
    • JohnDale says:
      September 28, 2011 at 14:07

      Honestly though, Clichly played well. I saw the game.

      Reply to this comment »
  • jason says:
    September 27, 2011 at 22:52

    We played so many games last season and internationals as well as an early start to the season its really taking its tole.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Seanaldo says:
    September 27, 2011 at 23:13

    Walcott is fit.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Bouba says:
    September 27, 2011 at 23:21

    Why do we have so many injured players?
    It is one of Arsenal problem, every season it is the same saga…!!

    I am just getting worry, more and more about what is going in training and our medical staff !!!

    Anyway, like I say before, we need a good run of games ( and wins ) to get back on track and bring our confidence back.

    Tomorrow is another chance to do that and make sure we are still a force to be reckon with, in Europe.

    I wish, Wenger would variate his tactics ( make it less predictable to the opponent ) like introduce Park, Chamberlain, Miquel and play with 2 strikers or else… I don’t know, something different… I would love to get the formation wrong and be surprised the day of the game :-)

    Also, any news about the “enigma” Abou Diaby ???? ( what a waist of space !! )

    Reply to this comment »
    • jason says:
      September 28, 2011 at 5:39

      non physical team playing a passing game in one of the most physical league’s in the world.

      Stoke eg kick us about senseless.

      Players from a young age playing so many games example Wilshere playing in all 4 competitions last year.

      Also this season hasnt helped internationals then early start to the season.

      Song is physical do you see him injured months on end like some of our players?

      Reply to this comment »
  • summerbreez says:
    September 27, 2011 at 23:28

    With sunday on my mind i thought of substituting song and sanga in the second half

    ………………….szczesny

    sanga……per…..maquel….santos

    …song…….rosciky…..freempong

    …park……..chamber….archivan

    with an interchanging attack

    Reply to this comment »
    • Angus says:
      September 28, 2011 at 0:24

      dude am sorry but this is totally messed up :S atleast put Song in defence ! :S

      Reply to this comment »
      • kiwigunner says:
        September 28, 2011 at 1:46

        Ox at CF??? Doesn’t make much sense to me

        Reply to this comment »
        • summerbreez says:
          September 28, 2011 at 17:49

          the three players up front i am happy with if they can interchange with each other my main concern is the midfield and defense i think song is more of a value to the midfield then in defense

          the outfit most look some thing like that but with the game on Sunday i am afraid to burn their energy and it would not give us the chance of having fresh legs we need a strong wining performance this evening but also on sunday how to balance both to have adequate strength to win both is the million dollar question ?

          …………….szczesny

          sanga……per…..song….santos

          .freempong……ateta……rosciky

          …..chamber…vanpersi…park

          Reply to this comment »
  • mc gooner says:
    September 28, 2011 at 0:19

    All these injuries and we apparently have one of the best medical teams in the world.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Angus says:
    September 28, 2011 at 0:21

    …………..Szczesny…………
    Sagna….Per………..Song……Santos/gibbs
    ……………….Frimpong…………
    ..Alex-OX….Ramsey…Arteta…Arshavin..
    ……….Chamakh……..V.persie

    4-1-4-2

    - this formation and it’ll be 3-0 or 3-1 WIN :D …..Park instead of Chamakh might also work cz Walcott is injured !

    Reply to this comment »
    • Alpha T says:
      September 28, 2011 at 1:02

      Uve got 12 players mate, doubt we’ll get away with that, but worth a try lol

      Reply to this comment »
      • Angus says:
        September 28, 2011 at 1:11

        hahhaha…. i guess i didnt double check.. i was too excited…well, then drop Ramsey or Chamakh… its 11 now isnt it :P lol

        Reply to this comment »
      • kiwigunner says:
        September 28, 2011 at 1:47

        Just have no keeper

        Reply to this comment »
      • WafflingWenger says:
        September 28, 2011 at 5:30

        At least a “3-0 or 3-1 WIN” then.

        Reply to this comment »
    • Scott (USA) says:
      September 28, 2011 at 2:12

      Aahh. The old 4-1-4-2. Sometimes it works in the Sunday league when your ref is hungover and can’t count. But Champions League? Oh what the hell give it a try. One of our players will get hurt anyway so we will be back to 11 soon enough. Good one Angus.

      Reply to this comment »
    • gt says:
      September 28, 2011 at 6:04

      Chamakh defects to the other team immediately after the whistle?

      Reply to this comment »
  • Clement says:
    September 28, 2011 at 1:25

    Your line-up looks good but are we able to afford more injury to key players?
    Ok, i agree that we have to build our confidence with a win before the Tottenham game BUT i will make a good blend and trust the team below and keep keys players on the bench in case we are losing.
    I will prefer a draw tomorrow and a win on Sunday, not the opposite. So 3 points dropped on sunday will be fatal because SPUIKS will build a big gap with still a game in hand. Remember, they are playing Shamrock Rovers on Thursday and will send out their second team. I will line-up as follow:

    ……………………………………Scezny……………………………………

    Jenkinson……….Metersacker…….Miquel………………..Santos

    Chamberlain…..Frimpong…………Rosicky………………Arshavin

    …………………….Park………………….Chamahk

    SUBTITUTES:

    Fabianski, Song, Gibbs, Ramsey, Arteta, Van Persie, Ryo Miyachi.

    PREDICTIONS: 3-1

    Reply to this comment »
  • Jumi-Bear says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:14

    …………..Szczesny…………
    Sagna….Per………..Song……Santos/gibbs
    ……………….Frimpong…………
    ..Alex-OX….…Arteta…
    Arshavin
    ….Park……..Chamakh
    4-1-2-1-2 baby. Give Arshavin a chance to play in his prefered posistion :D

    Reply to this comment »
  • justin says:
    September 28, 2011 at 4:22

    I thought we were extremely unlucky with injuries, but then realised that Gervinho has more medical knowledge than our entire medical staff. It’s pathetic. How do small ankle sprains consistently turn into 5-6 months out (Wilshere, Walcott, RVP). And then the Vermaelen mystery injury.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Fanfab says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:09

    Probably that is the only way by which we can win title…on a side note I would definitely rest Sagna…keep him fresh for Gareth Bale

    Reply to this comment »
  • Guna says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:23

    If miguel is fit he deserves a start alongside per. keep song where he does his best work in front of the back 4 with arteta and Ramsey ahead of him. then arsh, ox on wings and Rvp up front. and we def need to rest Rvp and arteta for the game against the shite if we get that luxury in the 2nd half. come on you mighty gunners!!!!!!

    Reply to this comment »
  • jason says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:34

    A bit off topic but who do you think is better?

    Song vs Yaya Toure???

    Reply to this comment »
  • Sammy says:
    September 28, 2011 at 5:43

    I don’t know what AW saw in Ramsey continuing putting him in his first 11. His play has not improved, actually very poor defensively. Now in the absence of Song in the mid field, the opponent will have a field day. Frimpong is not any better, although, he challenges and stops attackers, his passes were far from presise and could end up on the opponents to take advantage of the situation. I urge AW to include Cochlin and Miyachi in the midfield and put the two as subs. Another area AW to realize is Arshavin is not/never been a player to give you good 90 minutes. Tell him to give you good 45 minutes and take him out accordingly. He does not seem to have to go longer than that, but his cleaver skills could be beneficial if used wisely. Even our skipper VP should not go the whole 90 minutes, that is why we have too many injuries, you play them to death. Please, do not take out two key players at ones that disturbed the chemistry of the team beyond repair, make the changes in 10 minutes interval. Well, I thought I share my taught as a remedy until the full squad returns to action.

    Reply to this comment »
  • Jack Mo says:
    September 28, 2011 at 6:00

    I suspect that Wenger will go with the line up you have up there, but with Song fast becoming our midfield organizer, there is no need to waste him in defense when he can have massive control of the game from midfield both offensively and defensively. Also, there is no need to play him as a left Centre back when we have someone who can effectively play there and maybe even better than Song in that position, Ignasi Miquel. Its about time Miquel gets his promotion as he is even better than Djourou and Squillaci so they need not be ahead of him just because of age and experience, Wilshere and Szczesny have shown clearly that age and experience don’t always matter.
    .
    ………………….…….Szczesny
    .
    Sagna…………Mertesacker……Miquel……..Gibbs
    .
    ……………Song……………………Arteta
    .
    …Chamberlain………Ramsey……………Arshavin
    .
    ……………………..Van Persie

    Reply to this comment »
  • gt says:
    September 28, 2011 at 6:09

    Whatever AW does, I hope he won’t play Song in defense. Why waste him in a position thatis not his best? Per and Miguel should do.

    Reply to this comment »
  • sugu says:
    September 28, 2011 at 6:52

    i will like see the next line-up against olimpiakos;

    szczesny
    sagna, mertesacker, song, gibbs
    arteta, frimpong
    chamberlain, ramsey, arshavin
    van persie

    Reply to this comment »
  • GunnerEye says:
    September 28, 2011 at 6:53

    I m Sure they will triple mark to Van persie ! 4-3-2-1 It not going to work

    Reply to this comment »
  • soccersurf says:
    September 28, 2011 at 7:07

    give arshavin a run

    and get johan off our team, guy is almost as bad as diaby when it comes to actually playing 2 games straight

    Reply to this comment »
  • babar says:
    September 28, 2011 at 14:11

    I would like us to line up with a fairly strong team to increase chances of keeping our momentum going. It is also important to win your home games in the CL group stage if you want to win the group and get a more favorable draw in the first knockout stage.

    I’d line up with the following team:

    ……………………….SZCZ………………………

    Sagna…….’sacker……….Song………Santos

    …………………….Frim/Coq*…………………..

    ……………Arteta…………..Ramsey………….

    Park………………….RVP…………….Arshavin

    * I like both, but perhaps Coquelin would be a bit better seeing as he’s already completed a full season at Lorient and did very well against Shrewsbury (he’s also older, but that might not matter). I would be fine with either one though.

    If we’re comfortable early in the second half I’d perhaps sub RVP for Chamakh, to keep our captain fit for sunday. Subbing Sagna with Jenkinson might also be a good idea, although Sagna is a beast and I think he’d have no problem playing on sunday even if he was to get a full 90 tonight. It might also be sensible to sub Arteta to keep him fresh as well, we could move Arshavin to his position and put Ox on the flank or we could sub Arteta for Frimpong and have two DMs to defend our lead.

    Reply to this comment »
  • goonerlol says:
    September 28, 2011 at 15:43

    i dont understand why we bought park and santos. if they can’t even be used in a rotation system for the midweek games. they seem like a total waste of money to be honest.

    Reply to this comment »
    • -->
    Arsenal-Related Websites
    11 Gunners

    East Lower

    Arsenal Insider

    Carlos Vela News

    Arsenal Highlights

    Cesc Fabregas news, gallery & videos

    Another Arsenal Blog

    Le Grove

    Arsenal Stars of The 70's and 80's

    Gunner Central

    		  Arsenal Brunei

    We Are Arsenal Blog

    Arsenal Station

    Arsenal Opinion: Have your say

    Good Playa

    HidupMatiArsenal

    Other Websites
    The Arsenal No.1 Fan Toy: Sings Five AFC Chants. Dances and Waves His Scarf. The Perfect Gift for Gooners!

    Watch Football: We provide people with news, fixtures, and results for all events of football.

    Players OnTheWeb: Official websites and fan sites of World's best male and female football (soccer) players, freestyle footballers, coaches and futsal stars!

    FootballFanCast.com: News & Blogs

    GRC Books: Publisher specialising in the republication of previously out-of-print Arsenal-related books for the enjoyment of Arsenal fans and lovers of classic football literature.

    Blogosphere
    Sports

    Blog Directory

    		TopOfBlogs

    		Sports blogs

    Sports Blog Directory

    The Soccerlinks Hit List   Football Soccer Topsites List

    Powered by WordPress | Entries (RSS) | Comments (RSS) | Arthemia Premium theme by Colorlabs Project