Celtic, No-one Coming Or Going Yet & More

Celtic pitch up at The Emirates for the second leg of the Champions League play-off, trailing by two goals, an advantage which should be enough to see Arsenal progress. Celtic have had a wretched time on the road in recent years, their win in Moscow in the last round apparently their first in Europe’s top club competition since decimalisation came into effect in the United Kingdom. Or at least that’s quite possibly how it felt to their travelling support.

With Cesc injured, Arsene made it quite clear that there would only changes to personnel not the formation which it seems will keep everyone happy with Song and Arshavin both expressding their contentment with the 4-3-3, high pressing game that the team has employed this season.

I suspect that will mean Song coming back into the side with Diaby settling centrally for the match. Ramsey could be preferred but Arsene will believe it important to score the first or at least not concede. Diaby offers more defensive power than the Welshman.

Wenger gave quite a wide ranging press conference yesterday. Qualification is not vital financially but is, according to the manager, from a football perspective. Without doubt, the opportunity to have the chance of winning the Champions League is a key element for the players and Wenger knows it. Equally, for a manager who has lost his three European finals thus far, it will be building into an obsession of sorts, pursuit of glory in the highest echelons of the game.

For tonight, it would be a surprise if Wenger did not revert to a similar line-up to that which worked so effectively at Parkhead a week or so ago. This would mean the return of Sagna, Clichy and Bendtner. Wenger was at pains to praise William Gallas:

He has taken the right attitude which is what you expect from a top-level sportsman. What’s more he has scored three goals in Arsenal’s first three games in all competitions.

What is the most important for me is that he’s looking sharp defensively. We know that he will score goals, although some of them have been a bit accidental but very helpful.

What I mean is that it’s not what I expect from him if he doesn’t score any more – but as a defender I’m very happy. That’s all I want from him.

And that is what he is getting. The decision to sell Toure has put responsibility of being the defence’s senior partner back onto Gallas’ shoulders, a burden he has worn impressively so far this season.

Vermaelen’s start in the side will have helped the Frenchman, knowing that he has a sure-footed defender beside him will enable Gallas to concentrate more on his own game without being concerned about his partner.

I would expect the line-up to be:

Almunia; Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy; Denilson, Diaby, Song; Bendtner, van Persie, Arshavin

Arsene meanwhile is keeping his options open with less than one week to go before the transfer window closes. Blaise Matuidi has not been the subject of a bid although Arsene did not rule out being interested in him. Philippe Senderos has not signed for anyone nor reading between the lines, is he likely to do so before the transfer window closes. The question is whether the player is waiting for January to sign a pre-contract when he can demand a higher signing-on fee and salary since he will be available on a free transfer.

Elsewhere, The Mirror is reporting that Fran Merida’s promotion to the first team squad is to be rewarded with an improved deal as is Alex Song, reflecting his continued presence in the starting line-up.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it. ’til Tomorrow.