Next up we travel away to Crystal Meth Palace to play Paddys boys. After the Liverpool blip, we have rolled over Villa and need to keep this momentum going. Laca scored a hat trick over the interlull V Brentford B in a closed door match, but to paraphrase Arseblog "if a Laca scores a hat trick and theres no video, did it really happen?" Hopefully he takes that form into this match, and we get another W. Last time we played them away, we got a 1-3 win with 2 goals to Pepe and one to Martinelli, who has been in great form for Brazil. Win, and we solidify 4th by going 6 points above Spurs in 5th and 7 points above Yanited in 6th. I am predicting a goal to Saka, a goal to ESR and 2 assists for Laca. 2-1 to the Arsenal. COYG!
+1 for remembering thread-starting duties during Interlull. With Spuds right behind us, and with a gentle run-in calendar, this is just the next of our must-win cup-finals. Hopefully no knocks or niggles picked up on national duty... especially for key spinal pieces like White, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard. I have a vague recollection that @yossarian will be at this match (or maybe I'm mixing it up with YankeeGunner?) so maybe we can get a few boots-on-the-ground posts in-match! EDIT: SCRATCH THAT! I was mixed up.
Arteta said Saka is in training but Ramsdale is not. Looks like another Leno start coming. Hopefully, he puts on a show for suitors.
This is must-win because of teams below us like Spuds & ManUre. But now with Chelsea's shock pummeling by Brentford today, if we win at Palace we'd go 2pts behind Chelsea in 3rd. Lots and lots of motivations for our players. Over to you boys.
Very nervous about the game. Spurs and WHU are on form and the former have easier fixtures remaining. They are more lethal than us in front of goal so goal difference is key. CP are coached by PV who's known for his defensive organization in his management career. Drew City, beat wolves etc. I hope the boys are up for this. I'd take a draw realistically.
There was some speculation by Arseblog’s Crystal Palace blogger guest in the podcast on Friday that both Olise and Zaha may be held out of this one. Anyone see any updates on that?
Nothing since yesterday saying that they are both likely out. Marcelo Flores’ dad posted on Twitter than Marcelo will be in the squad tomorrow.
This match is on real TV in the USA... woohoo. On USA... in USA, coverage starts 2pm ET, with KO 3pm. But sadly it looks like I'll have to miss this one live. Hope my absence brings us good luck at Selhurst. COYG!!!!
Gameday, campers! Let's hope the lads keep the run going! Obviously only doing PbP while at office, but will be cheering them on in quiet.
Arteta's team news (maybe not the most up to date because it's 1-2 days old): * Bukayo sounds like he's fit and very likely to be involved * Tommy is very close to getting playing time again * Ramsdale is not quite ready yet
I have absolutely no problems with Leno. I think it's kind of great that he finally gets some important time on the pitch. The only thing that worries me is that our backup GK today will be Okonkyu, who the few times I've seen him did not inspire much confidence. Hopefully he's improved since last season! p.s. Good news (for me anyway, not sure if it's good news for you guys in the club) is that I can watch today's match live because my meeting got cancelled due to Covid exposure by a key participant... me actually... oy!
Ramsdale starts, Tierney and Tomiyasu out. No Olise for Palace, but Zaha makes it. Not super keen on seeing him up against Cedric or Tavares.
Pleasant surprises: Ramsdale in (after contrary news from Mikel 2 days ago), ESR in (though Martinelli's on the bench) Not so pleasant surprise: Nuno in for Tierney who isn't even in the squad (hope that's not a worry) No big surprise: Tommy not in the squad Also: Marcelo Flores is on the bench (no idea who he is)
Details? Time for Nuno to step up big time. He's had plenty of time to think about it, train and get ready. Now's the time to pay back the club for it's faith in bringing you to N5.
Knee injury for Tierney - Arteta said "it isn't looking good" and he will see a specialist. Pepe is ill. Flores is a Mexican international born in Canada, probably taking Pepe's spot.
Tierney can't be relied upon. Even when fit he's just okay. It's like Shaw for United. Gallagher will have his way with Tavares.
I've heard Charles Watts and Arseblog/Gunnerblog discuss the Tierney to Real Madrid rumors, all said they wouldn't take the money. But for 50m, I'd be tempted to sell before he turns into the new Bellerin - who is only 2 years older than KT.