Hamburg rest before CL game, Henry rests during it

Coach
By Boris Mellor
September 13 2006

Like all of our CL matches the following match is away, that may have some bearing on why Arsene Wenger is resting Henry for a minor injury. Yet we must get a good result for two reasons. 1. The campaign needs a good kick-start. 2. Morale needs lifting for the following game.

This will be no easy game, Hamburg have spent a lot on players during the closed season and are favourite of Sky pundits to be the surprise team of this years tournament. Hamburg were also able to rest key players this week, Arsenal had no such luxury.

 

It seems likely that RvP and Adebayor will lead the line, unless Wenger reverts to 4-5-1 for CL. He might do that; however it was forced on him last season as Adebayor was cup tied and RvP injured. Walcott could play some role in the game, may be coming on for last 20 minutes. `

 

A draw will not be that bad a result, as Hamburg are one f the toughest teams we face, but as said previously a win is highly desirable. Also if our shooting can become more ruthless it will do a lot for confidence.

Quote Arsenal.com “A name on the Hamburg team-sheet that Arsenal fans may recognise is that of Guy Demel. Demel, a French-born Ivorian midfielder spent a year at youth level at Arsenal between 2000-2001.”  That one must have passed me by, either he made no impact, or the Alzheimer’s struck early.

 

Don’t forget to enter your forecast on the prediction league table

 

Update 13 09 06

Arsenal's squad for tonight:

Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
William Gallas
Kolo Toure
Johan Djourou
Emmanuel Eboue
Justin Hoyte
Cesc Fabregas
Alex Song
Freddie Ljungberg
Gilberto
Mathieu Flamini
Alexander Hleb
Julio Baptista
Theo Walcott
Tomas Rosicky
Robin van Persie
Emmanuel Adebayor