The Soccer Blog: Arsenal - Ipswich Town (Carling Cup) Preview

Monday, 24 January 2011

Arsenal - Ipswich Town (Carling Cup) Preview

Arsenal – Ipswich Town (Carling Cup) Preview - The Offside - Arsenal blog

« Sexism and Football From a Female Perspective | Home | Arsenal – Ipswich Town (Carling Cup) PreviewBy: Martin | January 24th, 2011
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Big, big match tomorrow as we take on Ipswich Town. At stake? A chance to go to Wembley for what would be Arsenal’s first cup final since the 2007 Carling Cup final (You remember that one — 12 minutes of stoppage time, a full-on brawl, Diaby knocking John Terry unconscious, etc.). It’s something most fans, myself included, are very excited about, as this is probably the best chance we’ve had to win a trophy in quite some time, and it would be a real shame if we squandered it.

Many fans called the first-leg performance, at Ipswich, one of the worst Arsenal performances they’ve ever seen, and it would be hard to argue with that. We just looked so lethargic and uninterested, and it really did seem like we expected Ipswich to just roll over and play dead for us, and they did not oblige. We just didn’t create much of anything, and paid the price. What should have been a comfortable second leg is now a second leg where we really have to be at our best to avoid a humiliating defeat. Will we be up for it?

I certainly hope so. Members of the team have spoken time and again about the importance of winning trophies, which is encouraging. Then again, if “saying the right things” were a competition, this team would be top of the table for sure. Unfortunately, when it comes to “backing it up” we’re mid-table at best. But I have to think that the players have heard so much about the five-year drought, and how they’re too young and too soft to win trophies, that they have to be really hungry to win that trophy, to have that ceremony on the pitch, and to answer all their critics. And they’re just 180 minutes away from that. The first 90 of which are at home against a struggling lower division side.

I did a preview for the first leg not too long ago. Here’s what I had to say about their team:

I suspect we’ll see quite a few of the best players from each team. They’re backstopped by former Sunderland keeper Martin Fulop. Along the backline, we’ll probably see young Kiwi Tommy Smith, big Northern Irishman Gareth McAuley, Irish veteran Damien Delaney, and Darren O’Dea, currently on loan from Celtic. In the midfield, we’ll likely see former Sunderland man Grant Leadbitter, lower division veteran and captain David Norris, veteran Trinidadian winger Carlos Edwards, and young Canadian Jaime Peters. Up top, Jason Scotland is the real danger man, leading the team with 7 goals this season. He will probably be joined by Tamas Priskin, the tall Hungarian, but there is a chance we could also see Connor Wickham — the 17 year-old has already played for England’s U21s, has been linked with a lot of big clubs (including Arsenal), and is regarded as one of England’s top young talents. They have some decent players, but at the risk of sounding arrogant, this is the kind of team where we should be able to handle comfortably if we play to our potential.

You’ll recall that Priskin is the guy who scored a goal and very nearly got a second at the end, which would have put us in a very deep hole indeed. And Wickham was incredibly impressive, really made me understand why he was linked to us and a host of other big clubs. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for concern is that Ipswich were actually missing quite a few of their better players in the first leg, making our inability to defeat them that much more frustrating. I expect they will probably have an even stronger team for this one, plus they’ll have a permanent manager in place in Paul Jewell, although I have to say I liked that interim manager, you could really tell how passionate he was.

So they could be a handful. On our end, well, Cesc and van Persie both played pretty full matches against Wigan on Saturday, so I have to think they won’t start. Walcott played the entire match as well, so could miss out. In injury news, Flaps and Almunia are both still out, as are Squillaci and Vermaelen. Frimpong and Diaby are both out still in midfield. Here’s my best guess at a lineup:

Wojo

Eboue-Koscielny-Djourou-Gibbs

Wilshere-Denilson

Bendtner-Nasri-Arshavin

Chamakh

Bench: Shea, Sagna, Clichy, Song, Cesc, van Persie, Theo

Wojo will start in goal, and given that Wenger has not shown trust in Miquel yet, I have to think that he’ll stick with Djourou & Koscielny at the back. They’ve been logging an awful lot of minutes lately. If there’s any silver lining, it’s that they didn’t have that much to do on Saturday, but Djourou looked to be carrying a slight knock. If for some reason he’s not fit, it will be interesting to see if Wenger starts Miquel or Song alongside Koscielny at the back — my suspicion would be the latter, but there’s no telling. Gibbs will almost certainly start at left-back. Right-back could be interesting. Obviously Sagna is a much better option than Eboue, whose form is atrocious, but given the run of games ahead of us, it wouldn’t surprise me if Wenger opts to rest Bacary for this one. I hope I’m wrong, though. I honestly typed in Eboue’s name, then Sagna’s name, then Eboue’s name, then Sagna’s name, then Eboue again, so I just have no feel for who will start at RB tomorrow.

In midfield, I think Denilson gets his customary domestic cup start, and I think it will be Wilshere, not Song, alongside him, since Song has played in every Arsenal match this month and could probably use a breather. If nothing else, Wenger may use him the way he did against Ipswich the last time, which was to bring him on as a substitute. But I think Wilshere is more rested, and I think Arsenal will be looking to attack from the get-go in this one. I would say that that makes Wilshere a better option, but honestly, Song has recently shown he can be quite the force to be reckoned with going forward. I wouldn’t be heartbroken to see Song’s name in the starting XI, because he’s been one of our best players recently, but I do think he gets a rest tomorrow.

In the advanced positions, I think Wenger made a statement of intent bringing off Nasri early against Wigan, and I think he will start this one. He could start out wide, but I think Wenger will deploy him centrally, as he did against Leeds in the replay, which worked pretty well. I think Cesc will not start this one, as I said, and the only other real option would be Rosicky, but he’s been out with a virus for weeks, and his form was pretty woeful up until that, so I would hope Wenger wouldn’t throw him back into the deep-end in such an important match. And then I think we’ll see Chamakh, Bendtner, and Arshavin line up in the forward positions. Arshavin has been working hard in substitute appearances lately but just hasn’t been able to really bring much off. I have this suspicion he’s primed for a big game soon, and he could certainly pick a worse match to return to form.

So basically, I’ve picked a line-up very similar to the one we fielded in the replay against Leeds (with Wilshere instead of Song, and Eboue instead of Sagna). That lineup worked out very well and handled Leeds pretty comfortably, so let’s hope for more of the same tomorrow. Also, a reminder — the away goals rule does NOT apply at the end of regulation time, but does apply at the end of extra time. So, for example, if this second leg is Arsenal 2 – Ipswich 1 after 90 minutes, Ipswich does NOT go through. It goes to extra time. But if it’s still tied on aggregate at the end of extra-time, the away goals tiebreaker is used, so if it’s still 2-1, Ipswich will go through. Given our penchant for shipping the odd cheap goal or two, I think we need to score at least 3 tomorrow to feel safe.

TV Info? Match will be broadcast (tape-delayed) at 5 p.m. EST in Canada on Setanta, and live at 2:45 EST in the USA on Fox Soccer Plus and on foxsoccer.tv if their website decides to actually work and do what it is supposed to do this week. In the UK, the match is televised live at 745 GMT on BBC2. Also, not that our focus should be anywhere but on our own match, but Manchester United travel to Blackpool to play the oft-discussed match in hand. You wouldn’t fancy Blackpool to get anything out of it, but given Manchester United’s away record (2 wins and 8 draws in 10 away matches), it’s not impossible.

Finally, I would be remiss in not pointing your attention to yesterday’s post, “Sexism and Football from a Female Perspective.” I really think it is one of the best, if not the best, posts that has ever appeared on this site. While Sairax’s work has never been anything but excellent, I have never been prouder to share a masthead on this site with her than I was when I read that post yesterday. I know a lot of people don’t check the site on Sundays when we don’t have a match (largely because we often don’t post anything on Sundays when we don’t have a match), but it’s well worth a read if you have not already done so. And if anyone disagrees that sexism is a prevalent problem in football, I would advise you to just read some of the comments left on the post. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

Okay, that’s about it, I believe. Let’s go out there and punch our ticket to Wembley. Come on Arsenal.

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Category: Arsenal News, Carling Cup, Fixtures, Preview

Tags: Arsenal News, Carling Cup, Fixtures, Preview
Tweet « Sexism and Football From a Female Perspective | Home | SJGgumbyMartin / Sairax: I might've missed it in a previous post (in fact, I likely did), but what are your takes on the Olympic Stadium situation? Figured it'd be interesting to get some input from both an Arsenal fan and a Spurs fan...(I kid).MartinWell, as I've said before, it's like two bald men fighting over a comb. Neither Spurs nor West Ham currently sell out their stadiums, which are much smaller than the Olympic Stadium will be, so I'm not entirely sure why they think they will do it. They will also alienate their fans by moving out of their historical neighborhoods and stadiums.

I'm sure the amenities are nicer, and as Arsenal fans know, the cost of building a new stadium is incredibly expensive, but it seems to me like it could backfire against either team, and they would be better served on trying to build stadiums in their own areas which are the appropriate size for teams with their levels of fan support.Homey_MillsCouple of quick things... First, I read that we're close to signing the youngster from Southampton. Hopefully he's pretty good, but I know nothing about him, as usual.
Second, I think our upcoming schedule will actually make our lineup for this game stronger. On Feb. 1, we play an EPL game with Everton. On Jan. 30, we have the (hopefully easy) FA Cup game. To me that means we'll have to play a ton of backups on Sunday, so that we can lay our top guys next Tuesday. Well if we're going to play the backups in the FA Cup, then I'm thinking we'll play our top guys in this game. Or else they'll have a long layoff.
I dunno... just some thoughts.MartinYeah, the Alex Chamberlain thing is definitely in the air. Several sources have reported we are close, and one reported it as basically being a done deal. There are quotes from Chamberlain (who is also being pursued by several other clubs) saying he wants to come to Arsenal, and there are quotes from Wenger, who generally refuses to name names when talking about transfers, saying that he is very interested in Chamblerlain but there is competition from other clubs. And then there was a story on the official site about Arsenal being interested in Chamberlain, but it has since been taken down.

So I don't know -- my sense is that it will probably happen sometime this week, but it doesn't seem to be quite a done deal yet.Darren_VSeeing how Wickham gave Eboue fits all night last time, I would be shocked to see him starting over Sagna.MartinThat's a good point. But it's also the kind of thing that hasn't really stopped Wenger before.Darren_VI hate how true this isMartinFor those following the Keys/Gray brouhaha, Sky has announced that the two have been suspended for at least tonight's Chelsea-Bolton match, which they were supposed to call. Hope this serves as a lesson of some sort.

Also, isn't it kind of interesting that Keys & Gray basically said the kind of things Arshavin says on his website all the time, but no one gets angry and in fact finds them kind of funny? I know that a big part of it is because they are broadcasters, and thus we expect a more enlightened & balanced view from them, but the different reactions strike me as odd.Darren_VThe things Arshavin say.... Well whenever I read them it seems that it is written in such a way that you have to wonder if he is kidding or not.
The tone of Keys/Grey makes it seem like a serious comment, something they beleive, and makes it much worse.JGMaybe it's because Arshavin is a "dirty furigner!" that says and does weird things, while Keys and Gray are English, serious (ha) broadcasters for a major network. Not saying that Arshavin is right for saying those things (he's not), but the expectations for a newly-arrived footballer to have a perfect mouthpiece are low (Balotelli, anyone?)Tonyblomer81Two men in possession of tape measures were challenged by Emirates security staff at the weekend. The two, who turned out to be Ipswich employees,were questioned then released.

An Ipswich spokesman said " we were just checking to see if our brand new Neoplan Starliner with 52 Luxury Reclining Seats, air Con and DVD/CD Entertainment System (with the DVD of the first leg welded in to the tray) will actually fit through the gates of the ground.

This will allow us to park the bus across the 6 yard line. If this is not possible, we will have to use our 10 year old ford transit, which doesn't have nearly the same defensive qualities."

Wenger appeared unconcerned by the Ipswich tactics:

" We respect the opposition, but we will not worry about their game. We will worry about our own game, I mean... we won't worry about our own game, as well as not worrying about their game. Our players will play the game the same as the last leg, er...no, I mean the players are capable of playing better than our last game.

If we play well, if we show commitment, if we show desire to win, if we don't let Denilson and Arshavin play at the same time... we will progress to the final of the illustrious Carling Cup"

A sneak preview of the training session showed the team practicing trying to roll the ball under a replica of the Ipswich bus, but it didn't look good - Bendtner kept hitting the wheels, RVP kept putting the ball over the roof, and Walcott had to be treated for concussion, as he just kept running straight at the bus.

Wenger stated: " The player is OK, he will be fine for the match.. He is working with our trainers, and he is now running with his eyes open."Gigi_manDisqusito hates me, two replues showed as comment...hey I am not crazy and I am not talking toyself hahaGigi_manwell it can happen if other area sharpen up (Helguera at Madrid is a nice example)Gigi_manI hear you. I said it while ago here. If the team doesnt win, fans arent happy, can decide not to buy toickets and shirts, and all the savings of no bing players (ahem investment as we call it elsewhere) wont be enough to cover the losses of those fans not buying...Gigi_manI understand the resting of other players. But why sub them so late in other games?
And also, If that doesnt work (meaning to play the guys that are rested,) we shouldnt wait too long to replace Bendtner or Chamakh or Arsha. Not in the 8oth minute right?JcbmontThanks, but with all due respect to the players in the team you drew for tomorrow-what did you say will make us feel safe: I think your team can come on when we are safe.MartinAs always -- the predicted lineup is not the lineup I would field, but the lineup I think Wenger will field. If it were me, I would have taken off Cesc and van Persie as soon as we went up 2-0 so they could start in this one.Snehal BarotFurthermore A team fighting for 4 trophies need defenders better than Djourou, Kos and Sqil. A team that wins the league or the CL needs quality trusted proven centre backs.

All 3 of these guys are back up defenders. Maybe they can turn world class but not even close yet.third eye@Snehal Barot ---> Recently, I was wondering about it. As an Arsenal fan, I noticed how diverging the fans were. Some are strongly critizing Wenger and other are quick to make us remind about what he has done with the club considering the few tools and freedom at his disposal. I must admit myself that I have critize him for his unwillingness to buy new players and the board’s sedentary approach when it comes to transfer market.
As a manager, he has been the cause of a lot of progression in the club, but, during those last 6 trophyless seasons, he has caused more harm than good to this club. His genuine philosophy and intellect are actually his downfall. Now, I know a lot of people will come and say: ‘’what did you want him to do? Ruin us and leave the club while it is crippled in debts just like Benitez did it with Liverpool?’’ On this regard, I must agree with them.
Now, about those ‘brainwashed fans’ you mentioned… Well, they are this new era of fans that Wenger created. I must say, the man modeled the entire club which include us, the fans. I have never assisted to a game personally, so I do not know how it is there. But, by reading what you have just said, it seems pathetic how blind and trustful those fans are. They see Wenger as an almighty entity that will provide them unguaranteed success in years to come. (how ironic).
Then, you said:
Snehal Barot 17 minutes ago

•Furthermore A team fighting for 4 trophies need defenders better than Djourou, Kos and Sqil. A team that wins the league or the CL needs quality trusted proven centre backs.

All 3 of these guys are back up defenders. Maybe they can turn world class but not even close yet.

Well, after critizing the man for his way of managing, now, I’ll give him credits for the merits he deserves. Indeed, in the central defense department, Arsenal is not there yet, but Wenger’s signings and trust toward a certain player have helped a lot. Laurent Squillaci plainly sucks and Laurent is error-prone. Nonetheless, Djourou is quite good and if you compare him to other central defender s that constitute the elite clubs, you would see that he is slightly superior to some of them. The guy provides us a good aerial cover and he runs fast. Plus, his tackles are accurate and his passes are okay. In my book, he is already among the best rated center back in Europe right now and ( **Wenger’s speech up ahead** ) don’t forget that he is only 24… Anyway, Laurent and the other one are not likely to be starters when Vermalen comes back to full fitness. So, they would be considered and they are performing as such. So, nothing more is expected from them…
third eyeWell, after criticizing the man for his way of managing, now, I’ll give him credits for the merits he deserves. Indeed, in the central defense department, Arsenal is not there yet, but Wenger’s signings and trust toward a certain player have helped a lot. Squillaci plainly sucks and Laurent is error-prone. Nonetheless, Djourou is quite good and if you compare him to other central defenders that constitute the elite clubs, you would see that he is slightly superior to some of them. The guy provides us a good aerial cover and he runs fast. Plus, his tackles are accurate and his passes are okay. In my book, he is already among the best rated center back in Europe right now and ( **Wenger’s speech up ahead** ) don’t forget that he is only 24… Anyway, Laurent and the other one are not likely to be starters when Vermalen comes back to full fitness. So, they would be considered as bACK UP and they are performing as such. So, nothing more is expected from them…
MartinDjourou and Koscielny have actually been very good lately. After some rough performances in his first couple of months, Koscielny is quietly becoming a very, very good defender, and if he keeps it up, he'll turn out to be another great piece of business by Wenger.Snehal BarotJust reflecting on the Wigan game on Saturday and I am starting to get slightly worried about what’s going on at the Arsenal.

The atmosphere on Saturday was a complete joke. The worst I have even seen at the Grove. This was alarming as we won the game 3.0.

My season ticket is situated is the so called red section where blocks 5 and 6 generally generate most of the noise that comes from the stadium. Though it has his critics I do feel that normally it’s a great atmosphere in these blocks and it has his regulars that are of older age (not teenagers or jcl’s) that really help generate noise. These fans make a massive difference and when not there you can really hear the difference in the stadium.

I speak to many of these guys on a regular basis and they have had there season tickets at Arsenal from Highbury days and have not moved from there seat at block 6 since the Grove opened its doors.

Though we are in all 4 competitions at the moment many of these fans are simply not happy with Wenger and the lack of ambition from the board. The year by year habit of us under achieving in the transfer market and the constant mistakes in the past has taken its toll on said fans, and they no longer trust Wenger or the club anymore.

The fact that we are fighting for 1st ,the Wigan game was massive for us and the lack of old school genuine fans at the grove does speak in volumes. Also the fact that considering our place in the league many of our games are going to general sale.

Go back 2-3 seasons there would be no way a game would go to general sale especially if we were still in the title race. As a lonely red member I could just about get tickets on first morning of sale and that was for every game.
I think many fans have started to get sick and tired of the lies at the club, and the business side of Arsenal is pushing out many of us.

Some will say its about vat and finance reasons but I do not agree with this at all.

Many said fans are also getting increasingly annoyed with the new wave of younger jcl fans who love to sing things “wenger give us a wave” or “1 Arsene”
I understand fans still like Wenger but to have so many in volume sing his name blindly just because we score a goal against a shit weak team is a joke. It was only 2 weeks before we lost to Ipswich and drew to Leeds! Many people sing these chants at really inappropriate times and this just adds to the frustration of everything. I am not saying your wrong for singing said chants but use your brain when singing chants like that.

The same kind of fans then go silent of we go a goal under and don’t join in again until we score or win and then its “wengers give us a wave”

I have witnessed many signs of unrest at the grove and seen gooners turning on each other regarding the whole Wenger issue and at times reached boiling point when fights actually break out.

In all my years of football I have never really seen such a divide. Even back in George days post glory, I never saw such tension in the crowds.

If the lack of transfer activity costs us the title again it will make a huge difference with regards to some fans simply not wanting to continue with there hard effort and support any longer.

Many of you will say if a fan decides not to go anymore means they are not a real fan in the first place. This is simply not the case. It must be hard for someone who has been a hardcore fan for years to decide he has had enough with what’s going on.

Like I said this season has been successful so far though I still don’t think its paints a fair picture, and only time will tell if I am wrong or not.

Regardless of said success this season the vacant seats at the grove is a massive concern. What’s worse is the kind of fan that is making the seat vacant.

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