Newcastle United versus Arsenal FC at St James’ Park 13th of August , 2011.
So we have finally went through the pre-season matches, we have followed our fellow teams, watched them getting torn apart, watching them getting strengthened. And here we finally are. The first round of Premier League, which we all have been waiting for so long. And Arsenal’s first clash is against the Magpies which we so pathetically lost 4-0 to 4-4 last time. But now our dear players at Arsenal must put that behind them and aim forward. However, it is still unclear if Samir Nasri and/or Cesc Fábregas will participate in this meeting since the rumors about them moving to Manchester City and FC Barcelona are running through the media rapidly. Therefore I won’t use someone of these two as a player to look out for since their participation still is unclear until the whistle for start blows. Arsenal as we all know came fourth in the previous EPL due to a week season finish. Newcastle came on the 12th place which was a decent season for them since they were “new” that season. My tip is that NUFC will finish as they did last season, being a classic mid-table team with a few decent players! And my tip for Arsenal is either winners or second place because I, unlike many goners believe Arsenal can really compete about the title this season, especially after having Gervinho in the squad, he is brilliant.
 |
| Arsenal fans will not be hoping for another 4-4 thriller. |
In the Arsenal squad Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are missing. Fabregas since he isn’t fit for a match, claims Wenger and Nasri because of illness. Now as I write this, rumours are that Fabregas is in Barcelona to sign the contract and to be presented at a press conference today, 12th of august. Tomorrow, at game day we’ll be sure to 100% if these rumours were true.
Players to look out for in the Newcastle squad in my opinion are Yohan Cabaye, 25 years old midfielder who they bought from Lille and Demba Ba, a 26 year old forward. Cabaye was one of three keys to Lille’s win in the French Ligue 1 last season. A very good midfielder who is creative and with excellent passing skills. Demba Ba on the other hand came from West Ham when they were sent down to the Championship and he is a strong forward with a good accuracy for goal scoring. They will make a good duo is my prediction who will create problems for the teams they are facing.
Arsenal players to look out for on the other hand are Aaron Ramsey, if he plays of course, the Welsh international is an absolute master prospect with a bright future, he may be the only one with a talent as amazing as Wilshere’s. He has good passing, an exceptional view for the game and he is dangerous when it comes to attacking with a venomous distant shot. Tomas Rosicky will also be one to look out for, if the so often injuried Czech international contains his pre-season form he will be an absolute top act for Arsenal at the clash against NUFC. And of course we have Gervinho, who is likely to start on the left wing due to the absence of Samir Nasri. He is speedy with good dribbling skills and he scores goals and he makes loads of assists. He was one key to Lille’s win with Yohan Cabaye, NUFC and Eden Hazard, still at Lille. Those five players will be interesting to see how they’ll cope with the first round of Premier League and my prediction is that it will be an intense game.
Finally I think that the score will be 0-3 to Arsenal after goals by Robin van Persie, Gervinho and Tomas Rosicky.
What are your predictions? Take care, Ludvig Wallentin
Follow him on Twitter - @Lwallentin
No comments:
Post a Comment