After a disappointing result last week where Arsenal failed to unlock a hard working 10 man Blackburn and some disappointing comments by Wenger regarding the ‘achievement’ of finishing 2^nd place, it is important the players send out a message to Manchester United and show them that they will push them to the wire. Arsenal will come up a Blackpool side full of energy and charisma and a manager that could be seen as a poor-man’s Mourinho.

The business end

The so called business end of the season offers far more clarity than the start of the season. Arsenal are in a position where they need to win every game in order to win the title and Blackpool have to fight for their place in the premier league for the 11/12 season. Whilst Arsenal won 6-0 at the Emirates it must be taken into account that an inform Walcott, who netted a hat trick that day, was against a very shell-shocked Crainey – who probably had not seen anyone as fast a Theo, let alone play against him. Some people would scratch their heads at how Blackpool are in the survival battle showing the kind of heart and soul that makes the Premier League famous all around the world.

Time to forget about the past and look ahead

Arsenal have not won a game in their last 5 matches in all competitions which is their worst run of form for 11 months. As Wenger mentioned in the post-Blackburn interviews, it is time to go back to basics and challenge the team to show what they can really do and show they are legitimate title contenders rather than a side to humor United. A lot of people have suggested that Arsenal are only 2^nd this year due to the poor form of Chelsea and the beneficiaries of a Man City side that are still gelling together.

Team news

Crainey will be thanking God that Walcott is doubtful for the game as he could not handle his electric pace at the Emirates. Sagna is also doubtful which means that it is likely that Eboue will fill in at right back, which could be a potential Achilles’ heel due to his lack of game time in recent weeks. Song has also been ruled out which could be a problem as we’ve seen the Gunner’s vulnerability defensively without his tackling and work-rate in the centre of the park.

4-3-3

Arsene is likely to stay to his preferred 4-3-3, which may be seen as a problem against a team like Blackpool without Alex Song. Wenger has a tendency to try and fit the players he has into the same system rather than making a system that can get the best of his players. Denilson is not a defensive midfielder and Rosicky is not a winger. These cracks show up against hard working teams and Blackpool will be fighting tooth and nail to stay in the top tier.

If ever there was a chance to show team spirit, it’s this Sunday

It’s hard to choose a key player because the whole team played so poorly last week, the whole team needs to bounce back and show their undoubted talent. It is unfair to point the finger at Fabregas whenever the team is lacking, just because he is Arsenal’s best player does not mean that he should be the one that carries this team when the other 9 outfield players are showing a lack of imagination and creativity.

Referee

Lee Mason is Sunday’s ref who has dished out the 3^rd most bookings in the league this season (76), hopefully it won’t be a stop/start type of game because if both teams go for it and advantages are given this could be an end-to-end game that show the two different sides of the table.

Predicted line-up:

Almunia, Eboue, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Wilshere, Fabregas, Ramsey, Nasri, van Persie, Arshavin