After Saturday’s dismal performance in the thrashing against Chelsea, Arsenal players will need to bounce straight back against a Swansea side which has struggled at times this season.
In what was quite simply an embarrassing performance by the Gunners, Arsenal have lost ground on the league leaders, and now look set to end up in a disappointing 4th place.
If Arsenal are to have any hope of trying to compete for the league still this season, then Tuesday night’s match against Swansea City will have to be the start of a win streak with performances that match a top side.
After the Gunners’ previous humiliations defeat this season at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool, Arsenal have responded with goalless draws; let’s hope they can go one better this time.
Team News
Arsenal are still without the long-term absentees of Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Mesut Ozil and Ryo Miyachi, however, Aaron Ramsey could be fit enough to return to the squad after a long period out injured.
Laurent Koscielny OUT of tomorrow's game with a calf injury.
Kim Kallstrom finally made his long awaited appearance on the Arsenal bench, and could finally make his debut against the Welsh side this week.
Chuba Akpom is also back from his loan spell at Coventry, but unlikely to feature as he was involved today and scored a hat-trick in Arsenal U-21s 5-3 win over West Ham.
Football Association has released a statement confirming that both Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be available for selection on Tuesday.
There are also reports in today’s papers that Wenger is considering dropping Szczesny for Fabianski; however, due to the manager cancelling his press-conference this is merely speculation at the moment, although considering how Szczesny has been one of our best performers this season, makes this seem odd.
Swansea City
Swansea are without a win since early February and have lost 3 of their last 4 league games, so are also feeling the pressure. Swansea are more fortunate, however, on the injury front with former Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley their only absentee with a hamstring problem.
Michu made his comeback from injury off the bench this weekend, and so could feature more prominently at the Emirates, as he works his way back to full fitness after a few months out injured.
Swansea’s main threat comes in the shape of Ivorian striker, Wilfried Bony. Bony has bagged an impressive 11 goals in his debut Premier league campaign, with 8 of these goals coming against sides in the top half of the table, which include braces against both Man City and Liverpool.
If Arsenal can contain him then we should hopefully not see a repeat of this fixture from last season, when Swansea won 2-0 at the Emirates.
Expected line-up
Szczesny, Sagna Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Flamini, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Cazorla, Giroud
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