The festive fixture list WOW! IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE MY LAST POST.
It has been a hectic time at work; we have had to deal with a tragic accident which has rocked us for six and of course, our students are handing in piles of work to mark, plus all the end of term jazz that comes with college life…
…but I’ll dilvulge, it is also hectic for The Arsenal; who have recovered well from that unforeseen loss at ‘Boro’ at the start of the month. The win over Chelsea was especially sweet, and the guts and determination shown during the Carling Cup win at Blackburn was almost an early Christmas present!
On Boxing Day, it is Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth; away. A draw would be good, I am going with a 1-1 scoreline, but; Portsmouth’s form has dipped of late, and now might be as good a time as any to play them. Wily old Harry will want the most out of his team this month, as he is losing 5 or so of his better players to the African Cup of Nations. Whilst Portsmouth are by no means unbeatable, I remember one festive fixture a few years ago which Arsenal some how lost – Coventry away – with the aforementioned Keane scoring twice, if my ageing memory serves me correctly…
Then, on the 29th, it is Everton away. Everton are in fine form and could hand us a loss. Arsenal’s recent form at Goodison is not great and Yakubu is getting goals for fun. A draw would again be a great result. I’m going for another 1-1.
New Year’s Day sees West Ham coming to The Emirates stadium, and I think Arsenal will beat a team which have had good results against The Gunners – the 0-1 game last season springs to mind. I think Arsenal will win 2-0. If Ashton is out, then Arsenal should be able to contain West Ham’s forwardline of Cole and Boa Morte.
And then, on the 6th, it is Burnley away in the FA Cup and I am sure Arsene Wenger will play his usual mix of youth and experience; possibly along the lines of his domestic cup 11’s we’ve seen thus far this season. I will go with a 1-2 Arsenal win for this tie.
I hope to do a preview of the Carling Cup tie against Tottenham closer to the 9th. But, no Baptista this time, let’s see what happens today in the Derby.
All I can say now is simply;
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all!
Note: This article has been recovered from Greg Cross, Columnist.
