Gallas looks forward to big crowds - line up

Meanwhile Baptista has said he is ready to play in the Premiership, that he does not feel he has to wait to adjust, although he admits a period of adjustment may be necessary. Baptista will probably be on the bench for today's game. It's amazing the difference a couple of weeks can make, two weeks ago Arsenal's squad looked light on experience, but the additions of Gallas and Baptista, and the soon to return Lauren, mean that the squad now has a sizeable experienced core.

 Arsenal have not had a good start to the new Premiership campaign, one point out of six is the worst for many a year; and the vultures are circling waiting for further slip-ups. International week has meant that Wenger has had very little time to integrate his new signings, in fact even some of his earlier signings are yet to find their place. It often takes new players six months to a year to adapt to a new team or league, however Gallas knows all about the Premiership and Arsenal.

 Middlesborough also have new signings in Huth and Woodgate, both accustomed to the Premiership. Last year Arsenal beat Middlesborough seven-nil, but so far this season the Gunners have found the net only once. Middlesborough have lost at home four-nil to Portsmouth, but keep in mind they have also beaten Chelsea this season.

 Although Arsenal have failed to score, except once,  I still feel the defence has been the bigger problem by conceding soft goals. Once the Villa's or Manchester City's of this world get one goal up then all they have to do is defend. It's not just Arsenal that find it difficult to break down the 10-man wall, Brazil had the same problem against Wales. But Brazil unlike Arsenal, did not concede any soft goals.

 The Middlesborough manager has claimed he is looking forward to the visit today as the new stadium is not really home to Arsenal, so Middlesborough have an equal chance, plus they will feel inspired by the new surroundings. It's about time the Arsenal directors took this on board and started to make the new stadium look like home, to make opposing teams aware that this is the home of one of England's greatest clubs, not a neutral venue for a good day out.

 Wenger said that he has no injuries in the lead up to today's game, excepting the long-term injuries of Senderos, Clichy, Diaby and Lauren.

 Today's line up will probably be Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Gallas, Fabregas, Gilberto, Rosicky, van Persie, Henry, and Ljungberg.