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Veeeetoooh



It's back to the Premier League tomorrow and a chance to get back to the top of the table depending on how Chelsea do against Everton before us.   And considering we ran ourselves into the ground against Bayern, I expect more rotation from the boss.

Coming off our defeat, we'll have to be shake off the disappointment.  There could be no better way to do that than to stick it the relegation doomed Sunderland side.  What I hope doesn't happen is a sluggish approach that underestimates the opposition.  Sunderland have been a different side since Poyet has taken over.  Yes, they are still third from the bottom, but they have a belief to them now that makes them dangerous.  They have made it to the final of the Capital One Cup which is next weekend so that could cause some distraction.  Wenger on Sunderland: 

“Poyet has done well. He has bought a style of play and a confidence back in the team. They have become a good side so let's not be fooled by their position in the table. They are a strong team if you look at their recent results, it is a dangerous team.”

They have taken 12 points from their last six matches which is not the mark for bottom table team.  It speaks of a team that could be on the rise.

And part of that rise could be due to our old friend Vito Mannone.  His saves in the penalty shoot-out against Manchester United have solidified his starting status for the Black Cats and Wenger couldn't be more pleased for him.

"I'm very proud of what he's doing because I kept him here when he had a trial at the age of 16 because I saw something in him. That's coming out now which is of course very satisfying. He is a football man, he loves the game and I was always convinced that he would be a great goalkeeper.”

Having the two Poles ahead of him meant that Vito, barring injuries, would not get playing time.  I'm glad he's doing well too, and I'm sure he'll have a great game against us as is our luck with ex-players.

AS far as the line-up goes, I hope Wenger rotates.  Ozil definitely needs a rest.  Sanogo has played two games in a row after coming off a four month lay-off so playing him again could be risky.  Plus, I think there would be mutiny involved if Giroud doesn't get another chance.  He's rested two games now and is due a start.  I'd like to see Podolski get a start today.  With Ozil rested, Santi or TR7 could slot in freeing up the wing for Lukas.  Gibbs is out with a hamstring injury so Monreal regains his starting spot.  Here's an interesting question.  Does Fabianski's good form earn him a start over Szcz?

That's it for now.  Here's hoping Chelsea drop points and we grab three.  Doesn't seem unreasonable, does it?

Have a good one Gooners.