After a February of mixed results March promises to be equally if not more challenging for the Gunners, as the time comes for The Arsenal to march on towards silverware.

Keeping ourselves in contention will be the name of the game throughout March and while progression in the Champions League looks unlikely, an F.A Cup Semi-Final and a strong League position could be awaiting us by April.

Gunners on the March

The month of March has the potential to be a very exciting one for all us Arsenal fans, possessing the chance to carry a strong momentum going into the final period of the season. Welcoming big players back at the right time and gaining important victories will be exactly what we’re looking for, it will not be easy but rarely has it been in this undulating season where consistency is key.

Despite turning out to be an extremely difficult night there is something we can take from the essence of the first half an hour in the Bayern game, a sharpness and organisation that will be essential in the coming month, not just in the big games. Wenger has had to defend his decision to give the team two days rest this week but this could be highly effective decision.

Wenger highlighted mental fatigue as well and physical which will be essential in a bid for a trophy. A rested Giroud looked instantly invigorated at home to Sunderland last week and everybody will be hoping for more of the same, whilst we can hope a rest for Ozil will have a similar effect on the German. The left-back position could cause a few problems throughout the month, but the arrival of Ramsey will be a hugely important addition when the big games come knocking.

The fixtures

Stoke (A) - Hostilities between these two clubs have been rife in the past few seasons since Ramseys awful injury, with the fixture also highlighting the juxtaposing styles of the Premier League that have raised tensions on and off the pitch. The Britannia Stadium has proved a tough scalp for most of the League this season, having only lost twice at home, Stoke’s home form place them 6th in the table. It will certainly be a tight game but a good performance should see a victory for the Gunners that will be as indispensable as any this season.

Tottenham (A) - Tottenham haven’t been in the most convincing form recently and it looks like their Thursday night exploits in the Europa League, could be having a negative effect domestically. It’s bound to be a different game to our dismantling of them in the F.A Cup, but Tottenham have failed to grasp control of their home form and a determined performance at White Hart Lane could make it a hat-trick of victories over our main rivals this season.

Chelsea (A) - The visit to Stamford Bridge has the potential to be the most mentally challenging fixture of the month. Our confidence going into this fixture will be heavily dependent on our results beforehand. Going into the game as F.A. Cup semi-finalists, giving a good account of ourselves away to the European champions and winning another north London derby means we could be head strong, but it will tough and probably a draw at the most for the lads.

Man City (H) - At home in this fixture I feel we will always have a chance of victory and it will be vital if we want to keep ourselves in contention for the title. Aguero should be fit by then, making City the potent force that looked almost irresistible a couple of months ago, yet confidence in our defensive abilities at home should be high and with a sharp performance I genuinely feel we have a good chance of victory that will see us through all the way to the run-in.

Top four titillation

March in the Premier League is jam packed with important games for all of the top four, yet cup competitions leading to games in hand will make things seem rather out of kilter by the end of the month. With three competitions still to focus on it will be Chelsea and Liverpool gaining the advantage, but the chances are the table will not fully reflect the positions in the League by April.

Arsene has already alluded to Liverpool’s advantage, having just the Premier League to concentrate on they can pool their resources and have to be considered title contenders. Tough games still remain for Rodgers’ team however, and they have perhaps the most challenging run-in, whilst tough trips to Southampton and United will test the Liver-birds throughout March.

It is likely to be Chelsea that remain on top however, as like Liverpool they will play five games this month, holding a game in hand over us and two on Man City. At worst this will hand them a psychological advantage heading into the final month and a half, putting pressure on the rest of the contenders, but true to this seasons unpredictable form, it’s not likely to be that simple.

From here on in the title race is likely to be won and lost when the big-guns battle it out. Without sounding pessimistic this generally doesn’t look good for an Arsenal team yet to prove their mental strength, however, a win over either Chelsea or City will see us in with a shout and with added confidence who knows what that could bring. This is certainly the Gunners best chance in years.

Predicted Premier League table

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