For it is over 30 years since Arsenal last overturned an away goal deficit, and to do it without Cesc will make it even taller order. Wenger believes its a good time to something new. However there are a few plusses, the Gunners now have a first choice keeper back, and perhaps Arshavin will rise to the occasion.

I would like to see Wenger play Nasri, Arshavin, Walcott and Bendtner, 4-4- would give Arsenal more width, and two up front more chance of a goal. Hopefully Nasri and Diaby will keep up the form they showed against Burnley. It could be argued it would be safer with Song, but I feel that more temp is needed, and that Song will slow things down. The more mobile the midfield the better. It is Nasri's big chance to win a place in the middle of the park.

I wonder who Porto will kick now that Cesc is injured? I suppose Nasri, Arshavin or Nasri must be favourites. I must ring up Paddy Power to get the odds. Hopefully Wenger will stitch Porto up by demanding protection for his players before the match

Porto will exploit any gaps down the wing, and our backs will have to careful, if Burnley can do it then Porto can do it double. However Porto will not have the advantage of Fabianski in goal and it is an away game. Porto are not great away from home and I can't remember them winning in England, but, and it's a very big but, they drew 1-1 at Man U to knock out the English team in 2004. The first leg was 2-1 to Porto, and they went on to win the CL.

It could be a long night, to have a chance Arsenal must play at high tempo, take their chances, and not make mistakes at the back. If Porto hang on to a clean sheet, the longer it takes to score the more nerve wrecking it will get. It's important the crowd stay behind the team, missed shots must be seen as proof that we are on the right track not a cause for moaning.

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Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: Arsenal Times (IP Logged)

Date: 08/03/2010 20:13

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:03:10:07:49:28 by Padre Pio.

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Re: Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: younghansolo (IP Logged)

Date: 08/03/2010 21:18

I think you have it spot on. I honestly believe that if we don't concede we will go though. However, I fear fis us should we let in a goal at any point.

Let's hope Nic was saving his goals for tomorrow night.

Eboue and theo could be key agin. A good game form them and we win.

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Re: Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: mapleleafgooner (IP Logged)

Date: 08/03/2010 23:58

Porto will play on the counter. Song and Diaby will need to track back in support of the defence to reduce the exposure when our backs are far up field. We'll need to score first and early to force Porto out of their shell.

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Re: Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: Padre Pio (IP Logged)

Date: 09/03/2010 00:10

As they will probably keep lots of players behind the ball we will need tempo. Defence will need to watch out for breaks, but they shouldnt need that much shielding

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The game is about Glory. It is about doing things in style with a flourish, about going out and beating the other lot, not waiting for them to die of boredom".
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Re: Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: AJ The Gunner (IP Logged)

Date: 09/03/2010 13:06

i desperate porto 11 points off league leaders benfica..........mmmmmmmm hope their desperation will be their undoing. we need to score from all chances we get.....i doubt we are capable to not gifting them a silly goal so scoring enough goals may be a lot safer. you are right in that with no cesc to kick, i wonder who their target will be ....

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GUNNERS 4 LIFE!!

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Re: Wenger Wont Gamble No Cesc No Excuse

Posted by: Bwana Wenger (IP Logged)

Date: 09/03/2010 14:16

Arsenal comes from 1 goal down to win 3-1.

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Warning: Supporting Arsenal is not for the faint at heart... It requires hard balls...

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