Battle for the Title Continues





Bring on the Cat



Good morning boys and girls.  Arctic blast or no, it's a great day because we have an Arsenal match today at St. Mary's, and do to the weather, my office is closed - yet again - so I get to watch The Arsenal on my sofa in front of the flat screen.  Yes! 

The last time we played the Saints, Ollie got himself a brace at home one of which resulted from him stealing the ball from a dithering Boruc.  Since then, our opponents have lost five, drawn three, and won only two games.  Currently sitting in ninth position and having a slightly better home record than away, Mauricio Pochettino's boys will want to give a good performance in front of their home fans.  They like to play attacking football and are now 20 points behind us but have only allowed in six more goals than us for the season - albeit most of those have been scored this second half of the season.  But, make no mistake.  It'll be tricky match up.

Team news for us is that Mikel and Vermie are back training with the squad, but probably won't start.  I was hoping to see Ramsey back as well, but it looks as though he could be a doubt and  Jack  is probably going to be absent due to an ankle injury he received during the Coventry game.  Plus, LeBoss also may be cautious with  starting Ox again after being out so many months.  Which leaves us with what possible line-up?

Against Coventry, Arsene did not deploy Flamini, instead opting for a more creative, attack minded midfield of Jack and Ox against the lower league team.  I doubt he can afford that today.  I'm thinking he will start Flamini and Santi or Rosicky in the middle with Podolski and Serge on the wings.  Giroud will be at the front returning after his rest in the FA Cup.  And of course, Ozil.  In the back, our Number One will reappear between the posts with steadier than steady Sagan, Mertie, and Koz in front of him.  I really can't make a call on the left back.  Monreal has gained a starting position over Gibbsy, but Kieran did put in a good performance against Coventry.  I think Wenger will look at what left flank combination works best together and the need for speed versus defense.

Three points gained today will again put pressure on City and Chelsea both of whom play tomorrow.  I honestly don't look for either team to drop points against Spurs or West Ham, but it football can be an unpredictable thing.

Rumors still abound over Draxler (on Twitter anyway).  I have a favorite ITK fellow I follow, but won't get your hopes up by publishing what he's tweeting.  Let's just say, I'm holding out and am looking for a deadline day transfer.

What else?  Oh yea - Arsenal unveiled their new new partnership with Puma -effective July 1st of this year- leaving Nike after 20 years.   The deal with the German company is reported worth 150 million pounds over 5 years which is a substantial increase over past deals and one of the biggest in football history.  Bringing in world class players now, more than ever (even if they are only 20 years old), is a doable deal while keeping us in compliance with FFP and enabling us to carry on our model of self sustainability.  We are no longer a selling club ladies and gents. There were pictures leaked online of the new home kit yesterday, and arseblog has more today posted.  Take a look.  I think the tighter than tight jersey will look fabulous on our boys, but I hope Arsenal don't expect me to wriggle my middle-aged body into one.  I think retro kits are for me from here on out.

Coincidentally, the Puma statement came with a bonus announcement in that Wenger is extending his contract which will be pronounced officially "at the right time".  So, it sounds like a few more details need hammering out.  I wonder if any carrots are being dangled?  "Win the league Arsene, and we'll add a bonus" kind of thing. 

That's it for now.  Here's to three points, a continuation of looking down from the peak of the League, and a daring deadline day signing.  Take care you Gooners.