Thw window has shut, let the football commence, heroes have departed, new ones need to be created.
Vital Quotes:
The dust has settled on another frenetic flurry of activity at Fratton towers, the loss of fans favourite Gary O’Neil has yet to be tempered by the arrival of Papa Smurf Diop, and the re-arrival of Glen Johnson.
The Arse Team News:
Jens ‘smiler’ Lehmann remains sidelined with a sore achilles heel and Aluminia again deputises, Sagna may return after missing the midweek qualifier on Wednesday, but Eboue and Gammy Gallas remain absent.
Player to watch: Fabregas
A cut above in terms of midfield creativity, still a fledging in terms of years, but a master on the ball.
Pompey Team News:
The right side of midfield will have a different look from now on, much like Alan Knight retiring, Gary O’Neils abscence will have a surreal feel to it. Lauren could step into those shoes with Glen Johnson picking up the reins at right back, Utaka may stay wide or step up front again.
Billy Davies’ cuddly late night calls to Nugent didn’t do the trick and he lives to fight another day for the Pompey cause.
Diop may make the bench, apparently Darren Moores old shorts have been let out to accommodate him.
The line up will all depend on Harry’s choice of formation tomorrow, the days where the same 11 from 13 have gone, we now have strength in depth and solid subs bench also.
Player to watch: Utaka
The more I see of this man, the more exciting he becomes, I don’t care which defender you are, a fleet footed attacker flying at you fills you with dread, and Utaka has got a turbo.
Match Facts & Stats
2-2 last year and no wins against the Arse since regaining top flight status, in fact no wins on the gunners ground since 1955!
Ref Watch:
Mark Halsey
Match Prediction:
Goals aplenty I feel, Arsenal are obliged to attack at home, Pompey have discovered a counterattackability, a rare ingredient, deadly when consumed, place you predictions here.
Next Fixtures:
Liverpool at Fratton, the end of our top four battles for a while