Anyone struggling to focus this morning?
Whilst I am trying hard to only look at the game ahead, it becomes very hard to do when I am also getting my shit together to fly out to Munich on Monday.
A busy day at work scheduled on Monday means I am having to get everything done today. Close up the bar, get the washing done, close the house down for my trip abroad and pack. That means I can not stop thinking about Munich when we still have Aston Villa to play today.
Today will not be easy. Villa are a top 4 team for a reason.
Yes, Manchester City thrashed them, but Unai Emery “threw” the game making wholesale changes. I would be very surprised if he does the same today. He will want to make a statement in North London having been cast aside over 4-years ago.
Today will be all about the midfield battle. It is Villa’s strength.
The midfield quartet of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara has proved compact and hard working, but still with enough guile to create. They are weakened through Luiz’s suspension and Kamara’s injury, but Nicolo Zaniolo will likely step up as they transition into a 3 man midfield.
Villa are a huge threat on the break. They are probably the best counter attacking team in the league right now with Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby. We will have to ensure that as we look to play in Villa’s half and dominate position, we do not leave the back door open.
The ball over the top does not even need to be that great. Watkins has proved himself to be a willing runner, chasing everything. And Diaby and Bailey have the pace to quickly catch him up.
It is a given that Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel will start. I have a feeling we might see Takehiro Tomiyasu at left-back to counteract Villa’s wingers who love driving centrally.
With no Kamara and Luiz, Villa’s midfield will look at little more lightweight in the press. Kamara sitting deep allows McGinn and Luiz to play higher up the pitch and put the pressure on. Tielemans is then given a bit more freedom to roam. For this reason I would look to start Jorginho. He should have time and space on the ball.
Ahead of him, it will be Declan Rice and Martin Odeegard. Again, Villa’s missing men will make it an interesting match up as McGinn and Luiz also tuck in alongside Kamara when things are on top. Zaniolo is classy on the ball, but he does not have the work rate of Luiz or Kamara.
Whilst I have said their midfield has been their strength, we might be able to overwhelm them in the middle of the park if they go for that midfield 3 of McGinn, Tielemand and Zaniolo. McGinn could be in for a tough day.
Up front will be interesting.
Bukayo Saka will start. And I think we might see Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli complete the front 3.
With an eye on Munich, I think Arteta will go with Jesus starting and Havertz on the bench. The German is much more dangerous in those closing moments of a game when we are pushing for a goal and the opposition are camped in the box. For that reason I think Jesus will be given a rest this weekend.
There has been a lot of talk this week about Leandro Trossard’s importance to Arsenal. He has proved to be a superb signing and a fantastic squad player. But I do not like him starting.
I feel the Belgium thrives in chaotic games. When things are a little less organised, a little quick and players have to do a bit more off the cuff. That make shim brilliant for those last 20 minutes when we are chasing a goal. I always thinks he struggles a little when he starts a game and the build up is slower and more accurate.
If my head is not fully in the game today, I am sure the players will be.
Manchester City’s big victory against Luton Town was utterly predictable and I expect Liverpool to beat Crystal Palace by a similar scoreline in the earlier kick off. Big wins for the pair will see them jump ahead of us and close that goal difference. For now we need to not worry about GD and just get the 3 points.
I think we can afford to lose one game between now and the end of the season. We just need to ensure that we can go to Tottenham and Manchester United with that chip still in play.
Get the 3 points, then focus on Munich./
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 