Brace yourself for the clash of the season!

So here we are... with the title race hotting up, we have a huge roadblock to pass as our lads gear up to face the might of Champions Manchester United on Sunday in a bout which is considered by many as the clash of the season.

Whenever these two clubs face-off, it's a special occasion for their fans and this time it's no exception. This fixture has always been intriguing and exciting and once upon a time was considered to be close to, if not equivalent to the 'El Classico', when these two great clubs dominated the Premier League. Tempers have flown, pizzas thrown, shoes hurled and what not! It's true that things have eased out a bit in the last few years, but don't be surprised if there are fireworks this time around as there's a lot at stake apart from just pride. At this stage of the season, both teams would be looking to keep up with leaders Chelsea and nothing less than 3 points would do for both sides.

We have injury woes to cope up with but lets hope Eduardo's able to nurse his hamstring on time(which is unlikely) and atleast one of the two, Diaby or Song turn up for this important encounter. Bendtner's return is a good sign but one would expect Arshavin to assume the role up front in the absence of Eduardo.

Here's hoping we do well and bag all 3 points against our nemesis and send a strong message to leaders Chelsea. Go Gunners!!!

We are coming Villarreal...

After beating Man City in the Premier league, we now head to Spain for a feisty encounter with Villarreal in the quarter finals of the Champions league. While we have had a good run in the Premiership in the last couple of months and go into this game with some confidence, Villarreal had to face defeat against Almeria in their last domestic match which saw Santi Cazorla breaking his leg. As far as team news is concerned, I'm happy to say that Nasri will play and so will Walcott. Van Persie will miss out along with Diaby and Eduardo who haven't fully recovered from injury.

Here is the probable lineup:
Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Song, Denilson, Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri and Adebayor

It will be a special occassion for two of our former luminaries Robert pires and Pascal Cygan. Pires has said that although he would love to score, he won't celebrate if he does score. One thing we must not get into is complacency. I've heard so many people say that Arsenal have got an easy draw and that it won't be much of a problem beating Villarreal. This mentality could prove to be very costly and Wenger knows that. One must recognise the importance of this game and that we need to leave no stone unturned in our bid to reach the semis and go on to win the Champions league. So... just go out there and do what you do best my lads... play mesmerising football and 'score' more importantly...

Both sides occupy the 4th spot in their respective domestic leagues and it should be a close fight at El Madrigal, what goes in Villarreal's favour is the home advantage but Arsenal have had a great run in the last few weeks and look stronger overall. So I'm predicting a 2-1 win for us... am expecting a close game but I think we will edge them out... Go Gunners!

pic: El Madrigal

Arsenal v Man City - Preview

As we gear up to face the blue force of Manchester, after a good run in the last few games, the confidence is high. Coupled with the return of captain Cesc Fabregas, City couldn't have asked for any worse. While going in with good form and the might of captain courageous, there are some concerns which cannot be ignored. The recent international round of matches have dealt a heavy blow as we will have to do without some key players like Van Persie, Nasri and Diaby. Cesc, too might not play the entire game as Wenger might want him to take it easy after coming back from a serious injury. I must mention the return of the sprightly Theo Walcott would only provide pace and flare down the flank. The other obvious options to guard the midfield would be Arshavin, Denilson and Eboue.

Man City on the other hand too have their share of injury worries with some key players set to miss the crucial game due to injuries suffered while discharging international duties. Bellamy, Robinho could be missed badly in this important encounter which the citizens won comprehensively in their den in November. The good news for them is that Wayne Bridge could return from a hamstring strain which would provide a much needed boost to their defence.

The defeat to City in November was the last we suffered in the Premiership and since then we've been unbeaten for 16 games. Also, City have never won at Arsenal away in the league. Will we continue this good run in our bid to cement our place in the elite top 4? Hell yea!

Probable lineups:

ARSENAL:- Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner, Adebayor.

Manchester City:- Given, Richards, Dunne, Onuoha, Bridge, Zabaleta, De Jong, Kompany, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Robinho.

men to watch out for:-
Cesc Fabregas(whose highly anticipated return could prove to be a decisive factor and he could turn the game aroung single-handedly.)

Shaun Wright-Phillips(who has done very well against us in the past, he is someone we can't afford to let loose.)

Gunning them down prediction: ARSENAl 2-0 with goals from Adebayor and Fabregas.