Posted April 15, 200916 yr We are bound to start as favourites for this game as Arsenal have defensive injury problems however we have defensive problems of our own making just now and I can see Arsenal aiming a lot of high balls at Adebayor despite their claims to always play beautiful football. Having JT back will be a major bonus although that didn't make much difference against Bolton. ONe game from the final boys - I expect to see plenty of will to win!!
April 15, 200916 yr I expect a solid performance from us and we should have a lot of confidence going into this, Arsenal played a poor Villareal side tonight but they have got alot of attacking flair. I still think Adebayor is one of the most overated strikers in the world, we have to keep a look out for Theo Walcott and im sure our full backs can handle him. Im confident if Drogba is on form he can frustrate the life out of Arsenal's defence. Will be a tough game as Arsenal are form but we are aswell.
April 16, 200916 yr Hopefully the Drog is up for it, because I don't think anyone on that team can stop him. If we can get our defensive woes worked out, we should win. I am just looking for a straightforward win, with not so many twists and turns, I've had enough of those for one week.
April 16, 200916 yr We are bound to start as favourites for this game as Arsenal have defensive injury problems however we have defensive problems of our own making just now and I can see Arsenal aiming a lot of high balls at Adebayor despite their claims to always play beautiful football.Having JT back will be a major bonus although that didn't make much difference against Bolton. ONe game from the final boys - I expect to see plenty of will to win!! If Wenger demonstartes enough tactical nous, he will try to break us down on the wings, giving RVP license to roam more than usual. Whilst Bolton, and to a certain extent Liverpool, with Torres, possess some serious beef up front (See Kevin Davies), Arsenal cant really compete in that area, so will have to go with what they know best. But anyway, it's only opinion, and I agree with you: passion and will will be evident!
April 16, 200916 yr Any news on Bosingwa? If he's fit I would like to see him play instead of Ivanovic. And I think it's time to let Quaresma play. I don't know what Hiddink has against him. He has played fairly well the few times he's been on the pitch. Cech Bosingwa - JT - Riccy - Cole Ballack - Mikel - Lampard Quaresma - Drogba - Malouda Then we might bring on Essien and Anelka if necessary.
April 16, 200916 yr Any news on Bosingwa? If he's fit I would like to see him play instead of Ivanovic. And I think it's time to let Quaresma play. I don't know what Hiddink has against him. He has played fairly well the few times he's been on the pitch. Cech Bosingwa - JT - Riccy - Cole Ballack - Mikel - Lampard Quaresma - Drogba - Malouda Then we might bring on Essien and Anelka if necessary. I'd go with that. Mikel needs some playing time too cause he's still learning.
April 17, 200916 yr With their little midfielder, who is not amused by Celery for some reason, I think we need Essien in there. Also agree its about time we gave Ricky Q a go, he's said recently playing for us has made him happy again... he hasn't played...! COME ON YOU BLUES!
April 17, 200916 yr -------------Cech Ivanovic--Riccy--Terry--Cole ------------Essien ----Ballack-------Lampard Quaresma------------Anelka -----------Drogba I don't think we shoud rest any key player in a serious match like this. End of the season is nearing so all the best should play no matter what. Maybe(a big maybe) we could try Ivanovic on the left instead of Cole as he needs to be ready to step up against Barca. Cole has shown signs of fatigue so maybe we should try that.
April 17, 200916 yr if Essien is fit, he must play. It's a no brainer. This is an FA Cup semi final FFS. "Bring on Essien if necessary"? What's that all about? Essien has reminded us recently that he is at least 10 times the player Mikel will ever be and HAS TO START. This is a big game and the form Arsenal are in, they cannot be taken lightly. Edited April 17, 200916 yr by Nibs
April 17, 200916 yr It's a no brainer.This is an FA Cup semi final FFS. "Bring on Essien if necessary"? What's that all about? Yeah i think we should rest Drogba and Frank for this one too. Start with Di Santo and Belleti can run the midfield. Tough game. Very tough game. Yeah theyve got a few defensive issues but further up the pitch they've got the players back. They will be quicker than us and more nimble than us , we have to be prepared. Walcott, Adebayor, Arshavin, Van Persie and Fabregas are all capable of doing us damage. The key to winning this game is power, as always against Arsenal. Step up Didier Drogba. He has killed them before and he can do it again. Same team as Tuesday but with JT in for Alex. 50/50 for me this. I reckon for the 3rd time in a week we could see goals, goals and goals. Edited April 17, 200916 yr by bjd
April 17, 200916 yr will also be a big game for Ballack, we need to boss the midfield. He's never had a big game for us
April 17, 200916 yr well nows the time and I beleive he can deliver, we need to be physical and dominate in midfield, Essien and Ballack can do this leaving Frank to be more advanced
April 17, 200916 yr He's never had a big game for us Controversial Bluenut. Are you sexelk is disguise?!! Actually, I don't recall too many posts from said member recently? Is that because Ballack has been greatly improved of late? (although I still wouldn't want us to give him another contract).
April 17, 200916 yr He's never had a big game for us I think NEVER is over-stating it a tad Bluenut - Rarely would have worked though
April 17, 200916 yr He's never had a big game for us What about when we beat the Mancs 2-1 last season?
April 18, 200916 yr I used to get very nervous about playing the gooners but I just can't seem to get nervous about this one. Why? If it was the scousers I'd be bricking it. I'm also finding it hard to accept it's a semi being held at Wembley. I'd much rather it was held elsewhere and Wembley be just the venue for the final itself making it a much more special day. Maybe once I get a sight of the ground this afternoon I'll start getting the butterflies in the stomach.
April 18, 200916 yr The FA cup is probably the most realistic chance of winning anything this season. Go the mighty blues!
April 18, 200916 yr The FA cup is probably the most realistic chance of winning anything this season. Go the mighty blues! You don't think it's realistic that we will win the CL ? Why ?
April 18, 200916 yr You don't think it's realistic that we will win the CL ? Why ? Barcelona in the form they are in now are looking unstoppable. It's going to be much harder to beat them over two legs than it is to be Arsenal over one leg.
