Dont want to step on any toes, but it seems as though we've been doing ok since different people started the threads. I think the team will finally start building on a previous win by edging the tie. We win either 2-1, or draw them on Wednesday 1-1. I wouldn't mind seeing the same team we saw in Madrid but I don't think we will.
I'll be happy with an "any time they score, we'll score" approach. 2-2 or a 3-2 victory. Don't want to see us holding onto a draw with 15 mins to go. Too many bad Euro memories stretching back too long. Hopefully, Freddie v Fulham is here to stay. Henry will need a wee bit of help in this one. A shock/surprise RVP inclusion would be nice. Stand tall Kolo and Phillipe.
Arsenal 2 v 1 RMFC Henry and Reyes to score. I think we'll see something like this. Eboue---Toure---Senderos---Flamini -------------Gilberto--------------- Hleb----------Cesc-----------Reyes --------------Freddie-------------- -------------Henry---------------- Subs: Walcott, Diaby, Bergkamp, Pires, Poom.
A realistic 2-1 win. Real Madrid will score so it is important that we score first, we have to attack them from start to finish, we can't sit back, defend and obsorb pressure.
Yeah, whoever scores first is looking great in this game. If Madrid score, we'll start to look nervy, if we score, they're bound to slump. I expect to see us play a 4-4-2 though at home, and look for Freddie, Reyes, and Cesc to all rotate around the pitch. I'm not sure I see Freddie up top with Henry, he's much more effective in the middle of the park. Big question is who takes the field with Henry? Unless we start Bergkamp, we've got a problem, assuming Van Persie is still out. That may force Wenger into the 4-5-1 and play with Hleb in the mix as well, as FootyKid pointed out.
Seconded. I still think Gil has a ridiculous amont of cheap giveaways, though he has been stronger over the past month. I see a 2-2 game with ample chances for both sides. Then again, Toure and Eboue keep playing like they have...those chances won't be coming from our right flank. I still think Toure is emerging as one of the top CBs in the EPL, can't figure why he doesn't get more credit than he does. BTW, I've not read anything on RvP in a long time...when is he supposed to be back?
very nervous about this second leg, but with the great effort this weekend and hopefully an electric atmosphere at highbury i think we can pull this out...
Im going for a 1-0 win to the Gunners. Although I expect Madrid to be playing with alot more purpose (everyones fighting for a place on the team and i think Ronaldo wasnt even on the bench vs Athletico last weekend? - maybe rested but looks more like he was snubbed) I think the boys will stand tall . Probably someone like Freddie to grab a well deserved goal after all the work hes put in over the past few games. Probable line up: Lehmann Eboue - Toure - Senderos - Flamini Fabregas - Gilberto - Hleb Ljungberg - Henry - Reyes Subs : Poom, Diaby, Lupoli (or maybe Djourou), Bergkamp, Pires
i feel our counter is going to win this match. henry will, ONCE AGAIN, prove what a great champions league player he is.
-----------jens--------- eboue---kolo--phil---flamini freddie---gil---cesc----reyes --------begkamp--henry---- walcott,hleb,djorrou, diaby, poom, pires,larsson. 2-1 arsenal- early henry, cassano early in second half, expect bergkamp to not make full 90 min, sub for walcott at 60 min, walcot goal 61 min. it is 7 subs named for europe matches isnt it?
It all depends how well our midfield does in the first 15minutes. If we contain Real and create some chances...we'll do 'em. However, if Real score early i can see them getting another one (0-2). Thierry needs to put his game on, so does everyone else. I want a win, and a good win at it 3-1
Martin Tyler was heaping the praise on toure in the fulham game when he could of been talking about our strike force.
Toure has been POTY, IMO. Consistent performance and he helps keep the rest of the line confident. I think Cesc will have another good night and I see a 2-1 win as well as most on here. I don't think RM will be shut out 2 matches in a row, but the momentum is on Arsenal's side after the win at the Bernabeu and against Fulham.
Arsenal 1 (Pires with the late equalizer to put the boys through) Real Madrid 1 (Robinho) oh and if someone can hit that p.o.s. Cicinho in the bollocks, please do so.
i can see atleast a couple of goals coming from us in this game, Henry and Reyes at a guess. We just dont know hoe Real are goin to perform though, we outclassed them last time. 2-0 or 2-1 to the arsenal imo.
From what i saw on 1 or 2 papers, they say Raul Bravo and Helguera will be defending. I repeat, Raul Bravo and Helguera. Raul Bravo.......... The shakiest defender in La Liga, i watched the Atletico RM match and he was pretty good. I think thats what made the coach want to play him vs henry, because he may have a lil pace. However, i'd pick Cygan over him anyday. He makes the worst mistakes out there. If they play him, Henry and company will run all over him. Helguera.........Used to be an excellent defender....now...... Pretty much sucks as well. No pace at all, slow as a goat. Hopefully this is who they choose with i guess Ramos playing DMid.
I think it is going to be cold with rain in London Wed. A good start and some good tackels and Arsenal will have Real thinking about their contracts, new boss and the Sun back in Madrid. We get the first goal it will end 2-0. They get the first goal ???????????
Two big questions - CAN Real play us the way other Premiership and European teams have successfully the last several years - clogging the center of the pitch and behind the ball, and if we score first can they chase the game against us from a two-goal deficit,( something no one has successfully done since 2002, and something no one has done to win since 1998)? I'm not sure its in the nature to try the first and why should they be any different than anyone else on the second. No one can chase the game against Arsenal even now, save to nick a late draw from a goal down, and that won't help them. They either need to keep it 0-0 until very late then snatch a last-gasp winner to level things, or to score staright away then gamble for the second before we hit back. Given their options, tactics and their strengths and weaknesses, we really are in very good position right now. If we'd gotten a second goal, the tie would already be killed off. So play positively and we should be fine, really...