This is it! This is the big one! Ninety minutes that can turn a mediocre season into an acceptable one. Ninety minutes to make certain of third place. Ninety minutes to confirm Champions League football for the coming season.
Back in August, few would have believed that we could be in third place with one game to play. After the dreadful start to the season, the Gunners have fought back to a reasonable position, now that fight back must be concluded with one more win.
Today’s opponents, West Bromwich Albion, have battled their way to mid-table respectability. They are about to lose their highly popular manager, Roy Hodgson, following his appointment as England manager. No doubt they will want to give him a great send-off as well as putting on a show for their loyal supporters. It’s Arsenal’s job to rain on their parade. We must have the three points.
Injuries have again disrupted team selection. Bacary Sagna’s second leg fracture of the season means a probable recall for Carl Jenkinson at right back, Mikel Arteta will be missing and doubts remain about Theo Walcott’s fitness after a hamstring strain and, of course, Abou Diaby is ruled out.
There is much debate about Aaron Ramsey’s form and whether he should start or not, given the importance of the game I think he should start… on the bench.
Szczesny
Jenkinson Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs
Rosicky Song Benayoun
Walcott (if fit) Gervinho
Van Persie
If Walcott doesn’t make it, then Oxlade-Chamberlain should start on the right.
Final Thought
So what’s it to be? If we lose and other results go against us, it could be fourth or even fifth, but the outcome is in our own hands, a win will earn us third place, guaranteed Champions League competition next season and maybe help convince van Persie to sign a new contract.
Just ninety minutes! C’mon The Gunners!!
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