Queens Park Rangers vs The ArsenalVenue: The Emirates Time: 11:30 AM Central TV: NBCSN Points: 27 Ahh Boxing Day once more.... The day when we feast on our feasts, and we feast on our football. This thread will be short and sweet. Will we turn it around and get all three points, or will this be yet another slipup along the way. My 11: ---------------Giroud-------------- Sanchez-------------------Walcott --------------Rosicky-------------- ---------Oxlade-Cazorla---------- Gibbs---Chambers-Debuchy-Bellerin Drop Mert, go balls out attack. Might as well make it a fun game....
I just don't see Walcott starting. I think this is the game he comes off the bench and plays 25-30 minutes. Rosicky is just coming off injury, surely he won't start? Bellerin is also a doubt so I think we'll see much the same squad we had against Liverpool.
If Walcott is ever going to start a game, and get minutes, it's this one. If he is fit then he should be good for a 60-70 minute shift. Rosicky has been back for a week. Again, if we want to rotate, QPR is the team to do it against.
We haven't played since Sunday. And this is at home against QPR. No less than three points will do. And honestly, we need to win this.
As much as I would LOVE to see Walcott play, I don't think it will happen with a start. He hasn't played for over a year and Wenger has never been one to throw a player back into the lineup after an injury. Especially one as lengthy as this. Due to that, my opinion of Rosicky not starting is the same reasoning.
Welcome! Regarding your point, I think Wenger has thrown players in after coming back from long injuries if he thinks they're fit enough to play. The issue with Walcott is not the knee - he has a groin strain right now, I believe. I don't think he'll start, but he could. I suspect we'll see Alexis start this one (which I don't think he should - Alexis should be saved for the games on Sunday and next Thursday), as well as Cazorla and Flamini. Don't think we'll see the Ox.
I don't know what Wenger thinks, but Walcott hasn't played in a year and in my opinion there is no way he is match fit and ready to start and play for 60-70 minutes. I do think we'll see him play though. I agree with your points on Alexis. He is way too precious to us to play against QPR, but the problem is who we start in his place? Podolski? Ox? I don't mind Podolski playing but Ox was horrendous against Liverpool. Our squad options are so limited right now that I really think we'll see the same squad as we fielded against Liverpool. I'd really rather Debuchy played RB with Chambers slotting into CB though.
Walcott's come on as a sub a couple of times. I'd be surprised if he starts, but I don't think it's as crazy as you think.
Well, if he is fit I would love to see him play. Take Ox out, slot Sanchez into the middle in front of Cazorla-Flamini and leave Welbeck in on the left side of the attacking three. That would be such a fun front four to watch.
Arsenal : Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs, Flamini, Cazorla, Rosicky, Alexis, Giroud, Welbeck Subs: Ospina, Chambers, Bellerin, Coquelin, Walcott, Podolski, Campbell. COYG!
Hell yeah, Rosicky! That is a pleasant surprise. I love that man. I'm really excited for this lineup. Ox didn't even make the bench.
Pretty sure Ox is not on the bench because he's not fit. Not because, to use the favorite word of many mouth breathers that populate this site, he's been shite.
That is a pretty good bench...still missing Ozil, Rambo, Jack, Koz, Arteta, Ox. This team will be loaded offensively when all these guys are back. We still need a CM and CD though. That is my Xmas wishlist.
If we're not having defensive calamities (shudder the thought!) then i'd love to see theo and poldi off the bench after 60. COYG!!!!