By Henry Hansen
February 27 2007

Arsenal could have up to 10 players missing for the FA Cup replay at Ewood Park. The Gunners will be missing Thierry Henry (foot), Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor (both suspended), Tomas Rosicky (groin) and Abou Diaby (ankle). Justin Hoyte (hamstring).

Theo Walcott (shoulder), and full-back Gael Clichy (foot). Johan Djourou is struggling with an ankle complaint while Mathieu Flamini is doubtful with a foot problem. Manuel Almunia is likely to keep his keep his place. Wenger is also suggesting he will rest Fabregas.

On the plus side William Gallas, Hleb, and Ljungberg should be involved, as will Denilson. So thanks to the FA Adebayor will not be available, its hard to know what he got his red card for, true he argued about going off, and he will probably appeal against that as well.

It seems years since we last played a league game, and I am bored stiff with Arsenal playing North West Teams in the cup. We are the team most fouled against in the Premiership, and the team that commits the least fouls, but end up with all the reds.

Sure Toure lost his sanity and can’t argue against his red, but who was hurt? Who was really hurt by the melee? It was handbags. But the press hyenas chorus start up and the FA knee jerk in response. It will be yet another example of Arsenal getting favourable treatment from the FA. I blame Dein for all these gifts the FA giving us.

What a treat we will get, Adebayor will probably get double bans, three for doing nothing, and then three more for protesting at being sent off for doing nothing. Just imagine if he had actually done something – they would throw the book at him. Meanwhile Eboue, the funniest comedy act since Laurel and Hardy will probably get four or more for giving Bridges a slap, and then tripping over a sack of potatoes.

Mind you I am not saying that the FA always gets it wrong, after all they upheld the ban on that cheating little Paxo chicken man for hand ball. How could he keep a straight face as he grovelled to stay on? Well played Poll (not often I say that).

I digress, what about the Blackburn game? I would rather watch a football match, but there is not much chance of that. I couldn’t help laughing at Hughes complaint that Bayer Leverkusen time wasted Blackburn out of the UEFA cup. At least the German’s had a goal lead to defend.

Poll will be refereeing tomorrow so look out for revenge from the referees union.No doubt the Gunners will be kicked all over the park and woe betide anyone who retaliates (Arsenal that is).

It is hard to know what the line up will be, but with no Henry or Adebayor it could be a hard task. However, hopefully, Wenger can use the FA’s ludicrous overreaction to Sunday’s event to stoke the fires of resistance in Arsenal bellies. This team is always at it’s best when the chips are down.

Don’t forget to enter your predictions.

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