Arsenal vs Swansea FA Cup Replay

Kind of sad that we're less than 12 hours from the game and there's still no match thread. Don't know whether that's the result of the dull and depressed mood around the club, or the fact that the discussion board isn't the once active beast it used to be back in the Facebook discussion group days.

Anyway, we find out whether our cup run continues tonight, and I'm expecting a decent showing from the Swans, but I feel their lineup won't be full strength, similar to the first time we played them. I also think we might see a bit of rotation (although there's not much to rotate). Rosicky has mysteriously injured himself, even though all he's done is sit on the bench for the last few games, which means Santi will probably have to start again despite his glaring need for a rest. Diaby won't start this one I don't think, considering he's had to play extra hard on a 10 man team 3 days ago. I expect a lineup of:

Szces
Jenk Mert Verm Gibbs
Wilshere Coq Santi
Theo Giroud Poldi

Or something to that effect. We'll see if the ego-carressing of theo continues and he plays down the middle with the Ox and Poldi flanking him.

I want to say we'll have a comfortable 2-0, but it's never that simple with this side. I'll probably err on the side of caution with my prediction and go for a 12-9 to the home side.

Swansea had rotated more at the first game than we did. Quite sad state of affairs. Anyway, I'm predicting a 2-1 win for us.

I don't know what to call for this one...I think it will be another very tight game...hopefully we can dish out bit of a spanking and get our players heads high again...loads of difficult games coming up....we need a good result tonight....

I'm hoping for that line-up. I really really really don't like Theo up top alone. He cannot hold the ball up, is not an outlet for kicks, gets sussed out by good defenders and everything good he does he cuts in from the right even when he plays there. Even against Man City with 10 men we looked far more dangerous when Giroud came on. Giroud is a PROPER central forward and Theo needs to realise having Giroud there will make it better for him too. I hope Jenkinson starts over Sagna too, who has been in really poor form.

Only difference is I have a feeling Ramsey may start over Coq. Probably not wise but I have a feeling Wenger will do that at home.

Hard to feel confident against a team that has a better head to head against us since they were promoted.

Good thing is they will rest players but they had a 'weaker' team in the first game and still got the draw. Hopefully all their focus is on the Chelsea return game but that's still a week and two games away.

I expect a few changes tonight with Ramsey and the Ox to start. A shame we had to play 80mins with 10 men on Sunday as we might need that extra energy, especially if it goes to extra time.

Surely Ramsey deserves to start in the centre of midfield.

Personally I think its time we moved Cazorla into the front three for a few games, he hasn't been good recently and I think we need more discipline in midfield, id also advocate Frimpng being given a chance in there but I realise thats taking a huge risk as he hasnt featured at all. Just ask the lad to anchor the defence and not roam anywhere and see what kind of shape that gives us. Very few options up front but id like to see Giroud, Chamberlain and Cazorla there for this game.

Jenkinson to start, Sagna looks poor attitude and form wise for me.

Totally true regarding cazorla...completely waisted unless he is part of the attacking front..one thing I wish Wenger would do is just stick to players preferred positions instead of keep trying to convert players....same with the transfers....if we need a striker...buy a striker....
Regarding sagna...I have a feeling his time could be drawing to an end..I cannot remember the last time he put in a good performance..but saying that constantly changing who plays out on the right with him will and obviously is having an affect on his game....

Having Theo doing nothing on the right flank isn't exactly great for Sagna either.

True, having a wide forward who works hard can really help a fullback.

Honestly I wouldn't mind seeing Walcott on the bench tonight, I worry his ego is getting too big. Jenkinson and Chamberlain on the right should be good.

In recent weeks I was saying that even if Theo isn't exactly Thierry Henry, we should still sign him because he is important to the team and him staying gives us some stability because we have seen so much turnover, but his ego is getting too big. Him taking our set pieces, staying in the penalty box even when he is not playing as a striker, not defending, all this is getting on my nerves (and probably other players' nerves as well). I wouldn't mind seeing him fuck off now.

As far as I am concerned with Theo...he needs to shut up sign up and start banging in goals..until then...drop the attitude....

Mike York wrote:Only difference is I have a feeling Ramsey may start over Coq. Probably not wise but I have a feeling Wenger will do that at home.

When is Coquelin playing considered wise? He's barely good enough in dead CL games. In the bigger games he's certainly not good enough yet. Better to start Ramsey imo.

What I want to know is what is going on with Rosicky....we have done well with him in the team..

Little bit of early news....

Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny and Mikel Arteta for the FA Cup third-round replay against Swansea.

Defender Koscielny is suspended and midfielder Arteta has a calf problem, although Abou Diaby might feature again having returned from injury to play against Manchester City.

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Loan signing Roland Lamah is not available as he was not registered at the time of the initial tie.


Also slightly off topic...pep has signed a 3 year contract with Bayen Munich to take over in July....at least we know he won't be going to city or United...

John Foxall wrote:

Mike York wrote:Only difference is I have a feeling Ramsey may start over Coq. Probably not wise but I have a feeling Wenger will do that at home.

When is Coquelin playing considered wise? He's barely good enough in dead CL games. In the bigger games he's certainly not good enough yet. Better to start Ramsey imo.

I meant not wise in terms of the balance in midfield. There would be no out and out defensive midfielder. Ideally we'd have a good DM to put in for Arteta but we don't, so yeah, Ramsey is better hence why I said he will likely start.

Got any links anyone?

Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud
4-4-2?

vyom.chaudhary wrote:Got any links anyone?

Always plenty of streams on Wiziwig... http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=football

Team for tonight: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud

Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin Podolski

Steve Dawson wrote:

vyom.chaudhary wrote:Got any links anyone?

Always plenty of streams on Wiziwig... http://www.wiziwig.tv/competition.php?part=sports&discipline=football

Team for tonight: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud

Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin Podolski

Nice one for the links Steve...

Here we go...

Walcott wide tonight.....bet that's pleased him lol

Vanig Bostanian wrote:Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Coquelin, Wilshere, Diaby, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud
4-4-2?

4-4-2 would mean Jack having to play wide? Not sure how that would work.

Michael Foster wrote:Here we go...

Shit, forgot it was 7:30 KO, not 7:45. Better find a stream quick!

Steve Dawson wrote:

Michael Foster wrote:Here we go...

Shit, forgot it was 7:30 KO, not 7:45. Better find a stream quick!

I found ILEMI has a good few tonight...

Pretty open start, no one wants ET