Welcome to the beginning of the Premier League season. Today we start a new journey which will have extreme highs and some deep lows but one which we should all stick together. The one advantage we have over the Manchester Clubs and Chelsea is unity. Our players have endured some of the toughest times in Arsenal history and have come through the other side with better understanding of what it takes to compete. I would like to think that our players are also more grounded than the mega paid competitors and are more determined than ever to finally get some silverware for the fans. We started terribly last year with the Old Trafford defeat still fresh in the mind of all Gooners. I'm confident that we will begin positively this year. One thing about making mistakes is that you learn from them. We will have learnt from last years beginning and will make sure it does not happen again.
There is some worrying team news for us today. Laurent Koscielny, arguably our best defender, is not available for selection after pulling out of the France squad in midweek with a calf strain. Oxlade Chamberlain will also miss out due to an ankle problem. Both are expected back next week. Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott will both be assessed after the former played 90 minutes in Puerto Rico and the latter pulled out of the England squad. Both are expected to be available for selection. The longer term injuries are obviously also unavailable - Wilshere, Rosicky, Frimpong, Sagna. Alex Song is not expected to take part as he completes his move to Barca. Its unfortunate that we didn't have a replacement signed by yesterday. This is why squad depth is so important in the modern game. Even though our midfield is packed with quality players, many of them are injury prone. Arteta, Diaby and Rosicky spring to mind. Wilshere and Frimpong are obviously long term. And now that Song is unavailable we have no assigned Defensive Midfielder although he didn't play like one.
Defense:
We cannot look past Szczesny to go in goals. Right back will be an interesting choice. If Giroud starts, we can expect Jenkinson to start as well such is his crossing ability. A more reliable option would be Yennaris or Coquelin. Centre backs are Mertesacker and Vermaelan. Left back should be Gibbs although we know Wenger loves Santos.
Midfield:
As Song won't be playing today, I would naturally select Coquelin for the holding role. Wenger may opt to play Diaby but I have a feeling Wenger will trust the French youngster. Arteta is the obvious choice beside him. In the advanced role we will have Santi Cazorla. If he is fit, he is the first name on the team sheet. We must be wary not to overplay him this season though.
Attack:
On the right wing we will have Walcott. Again if he is fit it is a no-brainer. He was training yesterday so he should be available. On the left Gervinho will start. He has been one of the better players in pre-season and will be looking for a better start than last season. I would go with Podolski up front. Giroud played 90 minutes against Uruguay on Wednesday and could be tired. Podolski offers a more dynamic option.
Starting XI:
-----------------------------------------Szczesny------------------------------------------
Yennaris-----------------Mertesacker------------Vermaelan-------------------------Gibbs
------------------------------Coquelin------------Arteta-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------------Cazorla-------------------------------------------
Walcott----------------------------------------------------------------------------Gervinho
-----------------------------------------Podolski-------------------------------------------
I am genuinely excited about today's game as you all should be. It should be exciting and I cannot wait to see Vermaelan captain the boys on our home turf. If you are lucky enough to be catching the game at the Emirates make sure you contribute to the atmosphere. Home ground advantage could be the difference this season.
Prediction:
Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland
There will be a match review and thoughts later.
Till 'Then
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