Another bright and sunny day out here, another Saturday, and an all important Premier League game for Arsenal today.
With draws against Everton and Manchester United very recently, the pendulum has swung slightly into the favor of Tottenham again, to secure that all important 4th spot. Sp*rs play already safe Southampton this weekend, knowing that a win would take them a point ahead of the Gunners, even if for a short period of time.
With reports in the week suggesting that Arsenal are set for a major transfer overhaul in the coming summer, a frenzy of transfer rumors have broken out. From the believable to the downright ridiculous.
One of the major rumors is the possible return of Cesc Fabregas to North London, who is currently going through a rather tumultuous phase with Barcelona. Reports also suggest that Arsenal are precariously close to sealing the signature of Stevan Jovetic from Fiorentina, in a deal akin to that of Lukas Podolski last summer.
In terms of players going out, the major news has been that of Galatasaray looking to price away either of Lukas Podolski or Gervinho as they continue their rebuilding process assembling an array of stars. The manager said the following about the up coming transfer window.
We have gone through a period that was very sensitive, we are coming out of it now, in a much stronger position financially.I believe that this club is today in a very, very strong position and has gone through a very sensitive period in a very intelligent way. After that, everything is here to have a great future.We have a good fanbase, we have now a strong financial situation, we have good young players and a squad with a bright future with the quality of the young players we have. It is just to manage it well now.
Arsene Wenger was yet again linked with a move to mega-rich French giants PSG, but quashed any such rumors.
I answered that question already. I respect my contracts. I want to stay on if I do well and if I consider or the club considers that I do well, that is all.I want this club to do well, that is my basic feeling.
It will be interesting to watch again how the club’s transfers are dealt with. After seeing star after star leave, and his youth project dismantled, the manager has learnt his lessons, and put his best English youngsters on long term contracts. Plus, he has managed to add some fine continental talent to go with it.
By the looks of it, that policy will continue to be in place, as the club seeks to clear all the deadwood that exists, which should free up a substantial amount of salary space. Players on whom the club will have to work hard to hold on to will be Bacary Sagna, who has been at the end of some costly errors of late; Thomas Vermaelen, the out-of favour captain and Francis Coquelin, supposedly unhappy with the lack of chances.
To more important matters for the moment then. With Olivier Giroud still serving his 3 match suspension, it looks likely that Lukas Podolski will start up front, despite an average performance against Manchester United.
Apart from that Jack Wilshere, Nacho Monreal all are back into the squad, so that means that the manager has a fully fit squad to choose from. Lukasz Fabianski, however, remains sidelined.
Already relegated QPR are a team full of individuals who have managed to hurt Arsenal in the past. They have only pride to play for, but Arsenal will have to be on their heels at all times during the game. Arsenal lost 2-1 at Loftus Road last season, after going through a 7 match winning streak. Bobby Zamora is one such player, who seems to have a knack of reserving his best against the Gunners. There is also the added Sp*rs connection, in Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend. Christopher Samba could be recalled into the squad. Former Arsenal left back Armand Traore is in contention to start as well.
Here is how I expect the two sides to line up.
Arsenal will have to deal with the added physicality of Loic Remy up front, who is a self confessed Arsenal fan and been linked with a move to the Emirates for some time now. Andros Townsend has been one bright spark in otherwise what has been an abysmal season for the heavy spending London outfit.
The transfer policy to sign top players, out of favour elsewhere has come back hard to hit QPR, who were relegated along with Reading, after the two sides played out an insipid draw. However, Arsenal enough will be enough motivation for Harry Redknapp, to secure a win for the Hoops.
Enjoy the game wherever you are!
Jai Arsenal 🙂
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