Here's a thread for PBP. Anyone want to jump in on this? My CL PBP record is abyssmal, so I'm out. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
I know what skins you've got on the wall, Ian. I'll be glad to share your PBP resume with the masses should the need arise..
Pana is out two defenders: Yannis Goumas (muscle strain) and Markus Munch (calf). Gilberto Silva is a long term absence for Arsenal, while Edu and Sol Campbell are also out. It goes without saying that Jeremie Aliadiere is, as always, injured.
Didn't forget him, but I don't expect him by the PC today. Dan, however, is snowed in, and I would at least think he'd ne here to see if anyone else noticed that Sam Allardyce took a swipe at young English players in yesterday's Fiver. Big Sam just basically made the same argument Dan has been making for years.
Closing in on kickoff. Expect a wet pitch tonight, as it was raining earlier in London. Cloudy now, but could worsen.
Of course, the real story for Arsenal the last two games in the Champions league has been the second half letdown, and the spotlight will burn hottest on embattled Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, who hasn't shown the necessary quality at this level this season.
Should be a good one. Pana has some confidence after last game, so I'm sure they won't be shy throwing numbers forward. Hopefully, that will bite them in the arse (no pun intended), though...
Pascal Cygan will have to step forward as well in the absence of Sol Campbell, and the defense will have to do a better job on corners than they did against Rory Delap and Soton over the weekend.