Stand And Deliver: Villarreal (H) Preview

So this is it. A winnable match, a test of nerve, all with a makeshift defence. The makings of a nailbiter then. Arsene said in the build-up that the team would not be sitting back and seeking a goalless draw because it is not their natural game. Had he been able to field his strongest XI, I suspect that Wenger would change his view. However, that is not the case and it is difficult to find fault with his rationale.

The crucial thing tonight is that the team cannot afford to be as lacklustre in the first half as they were in the first leg and at Wigan last weekend. The absence of Marcos Senna will help overcome that to a certain extent with Fabregas finding more space, in theory at least. Yesterday, Wenger noted that the 4-2-3-1 formation is unlikely to continue on a long-term basis. More than anything, it seems that he is struggling to come to a formation that allows all of his creative and striking options to be on the field at the same time. I have a suspicion that tonight will see a more orthodox 4-4-2 in operation at the start with Denilson making way for Fabregas tro drop deeper. It is a position that brings the best from the Spaniard, more able to influence the game as a whole, not simply the creative side.

The absence of Gallas and Clichy leaves Wenger in a quandry. He could move Silvestre to the left in place of Gibbs with Song dropping back into defence. Whilst the Cameroonian can play there and has done so on numerous occasions, he has been an effective midfielder, coming into his own since the Cardiff FA Cup tie, winning over some of the doubters in the process.

Gibbs was nervy on Saturday, hardly surprising since he was making his first start in the Premier League. That will stand him in good stead for tonight yet he will have to step up a gear from the performance also. Villarreal are not scared of attacking, thankfully, their defending is not of the highest quality as compensation.

Abou Diaby and Eduardo are in the squad, adding depth to the bench. I would be surprised if either started, especially Eduardo since he has had a faltering time with his fitness.

The line-up I expect Wenger to go with is:

Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Walcott, Fabregas, Song, Nasri, van Persie, Adebayor

There is enough ability in there to crush the Spaniards but I do not think that will happen. Keeping a clean sheet would be a good confidence booster but even conceding the first goal ought not to be a signal for panic stations unless there is a ridiculously short time left to play.

Wenger observed that the week’s such as these are those that he thrives on and that the season could be the best ever. Well, there is a very big ‘if’ involved in that and means getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s reach the semi-finals first and then the FA Cup Final.

Finally, I would urge everyone to back Wenger‘s call yesterday:

I would want an intimidating atmosphere and I count on our supporters to be strongly behind the team in a fair way. I am convinced our fans will do that tomorrow.

It should be the least that we can do. Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.