Arsenal v FC Porto - UCL - Pre/Dur/Post Match Thread [R]

[Silva 5]

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c51/illmaticcs/Arsenal.pnghttp://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c51/illmaticcs/Porto.png
Arsenal v FC Porto
UEFA Champions League, Estadio Do Dragao
Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 19:45
US TV - Setanta Sports, 2:30pm ET, 11:30am PT



I made the match day thread for out first encounter with Porto back in September and that resulted in a 4-0 thrashing at the Emirates. Hopefully we'll see some of the same on Wednesday.

Official word will be out in the coming days, but we could see Diaby and Eduardo back for this one (Eduardo probably coming on as a late subsitute). It'll be interesting to see how Wenger plays this one, we're through no matter what, but does Arsène go all out for first place or leave it up to some of the youngsters to get the job done?

Eboue's chance to prove many of our fellow Gooners wrong, and I for one really hope he does.

[And_ROOS]

Well if watching Eduardo return to the pitch doesn't lift the team to a win, nothing will.

That said, i haven't checked the table standings, i know we are sure to go through but don't know how sure we are to go through on top. But i could see this match petering out to a 1-1 draw.

[Asuka]

Undecided on whether or not we should risk injuries or strain first 11 players in this match.

I'll be happy with a clean sheet or a tie to be honest. Much happier to see the return of Dudu though. That is if he's really ready to get a few minutes in.

[juanca]

Meaningless road game ( we are qualified for 2nd round allready), i highly doubt we'll see Eduardo, plus i think arsenal.com hays his first game back against Pompey on Dec 16th.

We have a super slim squad allready, i hope to god we can rest cesc and a few others for this one.

perhaps

Almunia(c)
Toure-Gallas-Djorou-Silvestre
Eboue-Song-Ramsey-Wilshre
bendtner-Vela

subs- fabianski,sagna, clichy, fabregas, denilson, ade, rvn

[juanca]

I cant imagine AW bringing back Eduardo for the 1st time anywhere EXCEPT at the Emirates.

[Silva 5]

In my eyes, it's not about the kodak moment, it's about getting Eduardo back to fitness as soon and as ethical as possible. If he's ready for some minutes on Wednesday, then he should get them.

Porto shouldn't be underestimated, they started slow in the campaign both domestically and in Europe, but they've certainly made up for that in the CL and they're starting to find their form in the Portuguese league, but with all of that being said, I think we have enough quality in our squad to get at least a draw with resting some key guys.

[OrangeArsenal]

Wenger pentioned in his post Wigan interview that Cesc had a little something with his knee and he might not play this game.

[Rewinder]

Players like Cesc should skip this game. Now that our CC run is over, lets give the more talented CC players like Ramsey and Wilshere a shot, and field a mixed XI.

Perhaps Eduardo can be on the bench, but not be brought on. Our next home game is in 2 weeks against Liverpool, so perhaps he can make his return in that game (but the conditions will have to be just right).

[RealMadGunner]

Hope this game's telecast here .. Always fun watching our CL games ! :D .. Think we'd win this game by a goal atleast ..

[Pogue Mahone]

That said, i haven't checked the table standings, i know we are sure to go through but don't know how sure we are to go through on top. But i could see this match petering out to a 1-1 draw.

The current standings:

Arsenal - 11 pts
Porto - 9
Kiev - 5
Fenerbahce - 2

So we're through to the knockout round already. A draw or better against Porto and we win the group. If we lose, we still go through, but Porto wins the group.

[juanca]

The current standings:

Arsenal - 11 pts
Porto - 9
Kiev - 5
Fenerbahce - 2

So we're through to the knockout round already. A draw or better against Porto and we win the group. If we lose, we still go through, but Porto wins the group.

Well i guess Porto would like some revenge for the drubbing they got here, but i cant see us going there, no matter what team we field, and just lying down taking a 4-0:cool:

I just think its wise that wenger rotates atleast a "few key" players for this one, considering all the injury issues and fatigue

[Rewinder]

Winning the group isn't a big deal to me. The fact that we play better against better teams has me hoping that we draw another giant. The only team that I would say is a bigger threat to us than any other is Barca.

[Detlef]

Anyone banned for this match?

[TheArgonaut]

I'm not sure what to think of this match. I want to finish first in the group so we can avoid someone like Barca in the round of 16. However, if it were a choice between a win w/ some of the first team getting injured or tired and a loss but no injuries or tiredness....I'd take the loss. But my guess is it will be a typical CL group stage match day 6 game....very slow and boring...either a 1-1 or 0-0 draw.

[ArsenalTexan3]

Well I hope the normal starters are rested and soem of the fringe XI get some time out so they can kill!!!

[GunneRy]

This game screams 4-5-1. Arsenal will be playing for the draw, and I hope to see Cesc on the bench.

I anticipate some younger players getting the nod, with Nik up front alone, and Ramsey pulling the strings in the middle.

1-1.

[TheImposter]

People keep talking about Eduardo being in the squad for this match, but in this article (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=600366&sec=england&cc=5901), which is mostly about the latest "revised" date for Rosicky's return, AW says again that they look for Dudu to be involved in the December 16 Reserve match against Pompey. I swear I've seen that reported several times, but a lot of people seem to think he's ready now for first team action.

[djdustn]

Eboue's chance to prove many of our fellow Gooners wrong, and I for one really hope he does.

Agree wholeheartedly. Great chance for Eboue to come back. It's on the road, and there isn't too much pressure to win.

Players like Cesc should skip this game. Now that our CC run is over, lets give the more talented CC players like Ramsey and Wilshere a shot, and field a mixed XI.

Cesc should definitely rest. Would like to see Fabianski start in place of Manny as well. And rest Sagna and Clichy if at all possible.

This game screams 4-5-1. Arsenal will be playing for the draw, and I hope to see Cesc on the bench.

I anticipate some younger players getting the nod, with Nik up front alone, and Ramsey pulling the strings in the middle.

Agree. My guess...

---------Fabianski
Toure-Djourou-Gallas-Silvestre
Eboue-Denilson (or Ramsey)-Song-Wilshere
----Ramsey (or Vela)
----------Bendtner

Yes I know I have four CBs playing the backline! Hehe. But Gael and Bacary need some rest, and if Gallas can come back into the squad and get some time in, then all the better.

[kanonier]

What's telling of how thin we are at the moment is the formation djdustn posted to... "play some kids." Right now we have to realize that Song, Denilson and Djourou don't even count as kids -- they're regular first teamers. And we don't have a CB who doesn't seem to be a regular first teamer because of injury or matchups.

[SLO-Gunner]

No espn360 for this one, eh?