Cologne vs Arsenal Preview: decisions, decisions...

Today we take on German second division outfit FC Cologne in our final pre-season friendly. It is the first game that we will get to see new signings Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla in action, as well as want away captain Robin Van Persie. It is interesting that Wenger still trusts him to lead the team out tonight but rumour has it that he has been fantastic in training and has been setting an example. Either that means he wants to get as fit as possible for the next team that signs him or he knows he is running out of options and doesn't want to ruin his relationship with Wenger further. The dressing room is buzzing and optimistic for the new season and they have every right to be given the new signings and players returning to fitness.

On to the game today, expect the strongest XI to line up for the first half. The players - especially the new players - haven't had time to play together yet and possibly lack a bit of match sharpness. It is a worry that Giroud, Podolski, Cazorla, Van Persie and Koscielny haven't played since the Euros. The back five is pretty straight forward with Sczcesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelan, Gibbs. From there it gets a bit more complicated. Its the first season that I have no idea what the midfield and attack will look like. Is Song going to play amid all the speculation that he is off to Barca? I am not so sure especially given the fact that Rennes have confirmed that M'Vila is coming to England. I wouldn't get too excited yet though because Spurs have also been strongly linked in the last few weeks. I am going to be sensible and pick Song alongside Arteta as was the regular choice last season. Now it gets really tricky. We know that Aaron Ramsey will not be available. We have Cazorla or Diaby to pick for the Attacking Midfield position. I'll go for Diaby at the moment because Wenger has said before that he is one of the first names on the team sheet. Wide right I will put Cazorla and wide left will be Gervinho or Podolski. Given that we are playing against Podolski's former club I expect to see him start. That leaves one spot for Van Persie and Giroud. I really am at a loss as to who Wenger will pick but because of the numerous reports that Van Persie will captain the side, I will choose him up front. 

------------Sczcesny------------

Jenks----Kos----Verm----Gibbs

--------Song----Arteta----------

-------------Diaby---------------

Cazorla-----------------Podolski

-----------Van Persie------------

Subs: Walcott, Chamberlain, Giroud, Gervinho, Gnabry, Yennaris, Santos, Coquelin, Chamakh, Arshavin, Fabianski, Mannone

Add to that list Wilshere, Rosicky, Sagna, Frimpong, Lansbury, Ramsey and we have quite a decent squad.

If you are lucky enough to attend the game in Cologne, please do your best not to boo Van Persie. I bet you are the same people that have been saying that a player isn't bigger than the club. If you abide by that statement, booing would be unnecessary. I would be lying if I said I expect to see a fast tempo, exciting game. While I do expect us to dominate possession and score a few goals, I am also weary about our defense. They must prove today that what they have been told and practiced in training is paying off. Vermaelan said in his interview that Bould has been focusing on the shape of the team and that is very pleasing to hear. If we build a solid team shape and still keep that flamboyancy going forward, we have a chance next season. 

Match prediction:

Cologne 0-3 Arsenal

Scorers: Van Persie, Cazorla and Vermaelan. 

Remember to come back for the match review later today as well as a round up of the transfer news...

'Till Then

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