Derby visit The Emirates, hot on the heels of their first Premiership victory over Newcastle. They are though still favourites for the drop and it is exactly this sort of game that undid the Club last season at home; opposition that they are expected to trounce turning up and putting a brick wall up. Derby will do that, particularly as they have conceded ten goals in their last two away games. It is reminiscent of either the 89 or 91 title winning season that we face Derby so soon after Liverpool had thrashed them. Then it was a 0 – 7 reverse that we had to emulate; we did not come anywhere near that day, two Alan Smith headers from corners being the reward for what was a relatively turgid performance.

As far as the team goes, it seems that there may be a few changes from Wednesday, all enforced. Rosicky will be missing for the next two or three Premiership fixtures, Senderos and Hleb look likely to miss tomorrow only. It leaves Arsene with a small dilemma to resolve; earlier in the season Alex Hleb filled in on the left when Rosicky was off the pitch yet Theo Walcott’s goals in the last two season at club and international level have come through the left hand channel. It might be worth a try there. However, it could be time to give Denilson his appearance in the side in that area, something he has done before. I would be surprised if Abou Diaby were picked simply because he looks so uncomfortable as a ‘winger’. He may have been the architect of his own misfortune to some degree; the three points secured at Villa Park thanks to his goal may have teased Arsene with the prospect of Diaby playing on the left. However, Diaby does not have the positional discipline to fill that role in anything other than an emergency, something that tomorrow is definitely not.

Were Walcott to move to the left, I would put Diarra on the right, giving him his full debut. This is a position we were told that he could play when he was signed. There has been suggestion that Eduardo could play on the left yet I do not believe that will happen. I suspect he will get his chance with Adebayor being rested and Bendtner on the bench.

My line up for the game would be:

Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Gilberto, Clichy; Diarra, Fabregas, Flamini, Walcott; Eduardo, van Persie

with a bench of:

Fabianski, Hoyte, Bendtner, Diaby, Denilson

Assuming that a comfortable two goal lead is established, I would bring Bendtner and Diaby on after an hour for van Persie and Fabregas with Denilson coming on five or ten minutes later for Flamini. No doubt Arsene will do it differently, probably with Diaby on the left and Walcott on the right, perhaps even Alex Song as the holding midfield player.

Off the pitch, Red and White’s intentions have been made public. Usmanov has made it clear that he wants the whole kit and caboodle or a sizeable return on his investment by getting to 25% and one share to have a blocking vote on Corporate changes. In doing so, he is following a clear takeover path; there is nothing wrong with that in terms of his strategy. His fundamental problem and that for David Dein as well, is that once he exercises this power, any support for their plans ought to disappear unless such actions are followed very swiftly with a full takeover bid. To hold the Club to ransom is a risky ploy; not necessarily from antagonising shareholders but I fail to see how any supporter could put their weight behind an organisation that is preventing the Club from operating, assuming those actions are in the best interest of the organisation, possibly to the detriment of on the pitch matters. I still find it difficult to fathom those who believe that Usmanov can be a force for good as far as Arsenal Football Club is concerned but until such times as the investment is used negatively, it is a case of a wary eye being cast in their direction.

Enjoy the game wherever you watch it; we may be back online tomorrow at home but if not, see you Monday.