Even though I'm usually a proponent of going all-out against strong teams regardless of fatigue, I really do think in this case either one of Ozil or Ramsey could do with a break. I'm not talking about a full squad rotation, but just a break for some of our players who might be too gassed out to make an impact in the Man City game if they are played another 90 minutes at Naples. The two games are less than 48 hours apart if I remember correctly, and the above two players have been playing two games every week since the int'l break. And what's more, I really do think we can retain 1st place without going full-strength. Napoli is missing Hamsik and they weren't so formidable the last time around with him either. This might sound arrogant but the worst outcome I can think of us getting (even with a semi-full strength squad) is a draw. Plus, Dortmund is missing about half their players (including all their starting CMs including Gundogan, Sahin and Bender). IMO they are likely to either draw or lose against Marseille, which would allow us to retain 1st place unless Napoli beats us by 3 goals or more.
I'll bet on this: -----------------------Chesney------------------- Jenkinson---------BFG------KOS--------Gibbs --------------------Flamini---Arteta------------- ------Ramsey--------Ozil-----------Rosicky---- ------------------------Giroud-------------------- This would be the exact same lineup we used at the Emirates in perhaps our fineist performance of the year -- the first half against Napoli in October (sole exception in Jenkinson for the injured Sagna). I think that Wenger will prefer a Flamini Arteta pairing to hold the midfield together. The left side to me is the real question as the Gibbs/Monreal and Rosicky/Santi options could go either way. I tend to favor Monreal's defense to that of Gibbs (and would prefer Monreal get the start) but I think Wenger likes the flexibility Nacho brings as a sub and I also think Wenger will also want to give Santi a rest before the weekend. I doubt Theo will start this one but could certainly see him starting on the right against City with Ramsey shifting back to his more favored middle role in lieu of either Arteta or Flamini.
I think they will play: Flamini Arteta Wilshere Cazorla Rosicky Giroud With the same back line from the Everton match.
I think the predictions which fail to include Ozil and Ramsey for this match are really out on a limb. Ramsey has been our best player all year and Ozil has started every league and CL match since his acquisition and now -- in our last CL group match IN ITALY with CL advancement on the line you want to sit one or both of them? Not a chance. Certainly the City match on the weekend is important but it pales in comparison to this match. Barring injury both Ramsey and Ozil will be on the pitch at matchtime tomorrow -- no doubt.
Ramsey had 12 days off during the Nov international break. He came back into the squad and didn't miss a beat. I do not expect Wenger to rest him because he shouldn't need to. Özil is the one who could use a break, and I expect him to get one on Boxing day at West Ham, and another vs Cardiff on Jan 1, just prior to the Spurs game. he's not used to playing through the holidays, but he is used to being called upon for massive games.
If the yellow pennies worn during training are for starters, We'll see the same lineup as Everton except Monreal in for Gibbs.
Yes and if we lose 1:0 while not starting Ramsey and Ozil and draw Bayern Munich in the next round I'm sure those of you advocating resting them will continue to agree it was a good decision to rest our top 2 players this year in arguably our most important match to date. (or worse lose 3:0 and fail to advance). If Wenger wanted to rest them he would have done so against Hull or Everton -- not in this match. Ramsey did not have his best match but I didn't think he looked tired necessarily -- just a bit off his game. It happens. He also did get to rest for the last 25 minutes of the match.
Agreed. This is the risk. I'd much rather play Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiakos, Zenit St. Petersburg, etc. than Bayern/Barca/Real/PSG. FWIW I concur. Although admittedly the line between fatigued and off-form is blurry.
Does the fact that City rested Toure, Aguero, Kompany (still returning from injury), and Negredo (for most of the game) change the rotational calculus at all? The fact that City won despite those four sitting puts them in perfect position ahead of Saturday's fixture. Although if Richards is out, that's good news for us. I still think that Wenger will start the full A-team, and I still believe that's the right course of action, but the challenge on Saturday just grew. Hopefully we can bag two quick goals and pull Ozil, Ramsey, etc at half.
He rested them because City was never going to win the group. We can. They also have about 100m worth of players on the bench. We don't we have to hope our boys make it through the next few weeks and that Ox, Theo, Podolski, etc. can get heathly so we can really rotate later.
I can't see Arsene putting anything else but a full "A" squad. If he did it for Hull,he'll do it for Napoli.
Oh yeah, I forgot about him. He did score though, so I guess my mind remembered it as someone else. I guess I was more thinking Ozil and Ramsey. I can't see either sitting for this one.
In my mind, this game is more important than the weekend game. I say go with the strongest lineup that makes sense. There are opportunities to rotate. For example, we can use Rosickys experience and Theos speed in what is sure to be an open game.
let's hope there's no trouble tonight. napoli are walking on thin ice at the minute with regard to fan behaviour. 700 arsenal fans expected tonight and apparently it's "airport-game-airport" marshalling by the italian police.