Arsenal vs. Roma (R)

[Coach_McGuirk]

Let's get the thread for this HUGE game started.

Any new Henry news? Everything I've seen seems to say he's out for Tuesday. Perhaps one of our boys (or girls) on that side of the Atlantic has more info.

PBP: dwinkler, are you doing it again on Tuesday? I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say we enjoy it. If you can't, let me know, as I'll be here at the house as the DISH guy will be installing my new system. In addition to PBP, I'm sure a lot of us will keep one eye on the scoreline from Amsterdam, as well.

[kygunner]

We humiliated them on their own pitch and now they seem to have come along a bit. I dont think we win 4-0 but I still think we should win in easy fashion. Now, if Henry is hurt, and the above is the first Ive heard of it than we certainly are in a tight spot. I have absolute faith in DB10 to provide the offense or provide to the offense.

[OPArsenal]

What do you lot think are the chances of a Kanu appearance, maybe in Henry's spot?

Vive le AFC!

OPArsenal

[phishy]

is this the game we get on espn here in the states? or is it the newcastle vs inter match? im getting off work tomorrow if it is on the dish fer sure~ 1-0 to the gunners.. .maybe a fredddddddddddie goal to settle it~
phishy

[otterulz]

From the tv listings ESPN is giving, seems like it's gonna be Newcastle vs. Inter tomorrow. They showed Inter vs. Barça a couple weeks ago, so wouldn't that be a good reason to show an Arsenal match on ESPN?

[dwinkler]

Originally posted by Coach_McGuirk
PBP: dwinkler, are you doing it again on Tuesday? Yeah, I'll do it. As always, the more the merrier - it's fun to get a free-for-all atmosphere going.

[dwinkler]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/2832739.stm

My biggest worry is at left back. I remember doing PBP for the first Roma game, and it seemed like I typed "Cafu" about a thousand times. I think he's going to absolutely torch GVB, and I don't know that Pires is strong enough to really help out.

[phishy]

cafu has nothing on GIO~~

[mogador]

I'm soooo nervous about this match! I think anyone who's been following the Gunners for more that a couple of years knows how we like to make things difficult for ourselves and I fear that Roma is the type of side that could reveal our shortcoming if we're not a careful. I think they showed what they are capable of by getting a result at the Mestalla, something Arsenal has never been able to do, and I fear they could easily do the same at Highbury if we do not take the initiative. Especially if the rumors are true about Sol.

Anyone care to comment on the current form of Totti & Co. Was the result agains Valencia a fluke?

How is their league form right now?

[SueB]

Roma is still having a terrible season despite having their spirits lifted in Valencia. They got off to a bad start in the league and haven't made any hint of making a run even for a UEFA Cup spot - one win in their last five matches (that against Empoli at home) and remain 8th in the league. Roma had a VERY tough derby vs Lazio on Saturday (a fortuitous 1-1 draw on a late goal by Cassano). I'd say all the advantage is with Arsenal in this one, except for any motivation Roma might take in knowing they really must get a result here to have any hope.

[mogador]

Originally posted by SueB
Roma is still having a terrible season despite having their spirits lifted in Valencia. They got off to a bad start in the league and haven't made any hint of making a run even for a UEFA Cup spot - one win in their last five matches (that against Empoli at home) and remain 8th in the league. Roma had a VERY tough derby vs Lazio on Saturday (a fortuitous 1-1 draw on a late goal by Cassano). I'd say all the advantage is with Arsenal in this one, except for any motivation Roma might take in knowing they really must get a result here to have any hope.

Well that's a bit of relief although Cassano scoring, he's that young 'future of Italy' striker isn't he, is a bit worrying.

Still at least we aren't the only one's suffering from the after-effects of a tough derby match.

[revelation]

This is going to be a rough match. Arsenal need 4 points from the next two games to make it to the next round. This game is their best chance to get 3 points. In particular, the team has to avoid dominating possession without results! In the games against Ajax, Arsenal controlled possession for long stretches of the game but didn't do anything with that control. They seemed to lack the final push and didn't work to the team's strength which is speed! Arsenal have to be one of the fastest and most skilled teams around. When they take advantage of this (usually on counter-attacks) they are very dangerous! Slowing the game down takes away this advantage and I believe is the difference between games like that against Manchester City or Manchester United and Ajax or Chelsea...

[Irelandboy]

This really depends on the team put on show. However a weakened team maybe what we need. Parlour/Edu etc scrapping for a win. With Henry and co - 3-1. Without the injured potentials 2-0

[Senor Askew]

Originally posted by dwinkler
Yeah, I'll do it. As always, the more the merrier - it's fun to get a free-for-all atmosphere going.

My sentiments exactly!!

Not that I have the chance to show up all that often.

But tomorrow I'll see if I can be bothered to come home between my morning archaeology class and my afternoon linguistics class to join in the fun.

No promises. :D

[astabooty]

Originally posted by dwinkler

My biggest worry is at left back. I remember doing PBP for the first Roma game, and it seemed like I typed "Cafu" about a thousand times. I think he's going to absolutely torch GVB, and I don't know that Pires is strong enough to really help out.

GvB is as good as A. Cole imo just in different ways. They are both very good wingbacks and i do not see Cafu playing around with Gio.

[Mike Toole]

Hmmm. Henry and Keown and possibly Campbell out makes me think... great, let's give Jeffers and Cygan some more exercise. :D

2-0 romp to the Gunners.

[martymarts]

GvB is doing brilliantly but he had a tough time against Gronkjaer on Saturday and he's only half the player Cafu is! The boys looked tired in the 2nd half against Chelsea. For once I think AW's changes only served to upset the balance and the mid-field gave up too much control to the Blues.

We've got the depth to beat Roma without Sol, Thierry and Martin but, Pat has to marshall the centre of the park for 95 minutes, not for 45 like on Saturday. For me his fatigue level is the key to the game. The good news is that Gilberto was rested and should be well able to shoulder the task with him. If we score early on Roma will have to chase the game and we'll stuff em 4-1. If we don't score early then 1 goal will decide it?

[phishy]

OKAY, Just thinking about tinkering with the starting XI... why is it that AW never starts thierry with wiltord upfront.. wiltord always plays on the wing and not upfront.. is it because he is the same type of player and arsene thinks we need a gritty bloke upfront that will be a poacher? (i.e. jeffers)
and, when is kanu gunna get a chance to showcase his skills?
just curious..
phishy

[Senor Askew]

Originally posted by phishy

..........and, when is kanu gunna get a chance to showcase his skills?
just curious..
phishy

Chance to showcase his skills?

The man's been on the team for four years!!!

[phishy]

SENOR, he's been on the team.. but, aside from that hat-trick against chelsea a few years back, what has he EVER done?