Gooner Talk

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recalled Theo Walcott as they attempt to bounce back from the damaging home defeat to Manchester United last Sunday.

Abou Diaby is back as Tomas Rosicky and Denilson drop to the bench.

Almunia
Sagna – Vermaelen – Gallas – Clichy
Fabregas – Song – Diaby
Walcott – Arshavin – Nasri

Arsène Wenger looks set to field the same team that lost against Manchester United, in tomorrow’s most important game of the season at Chelsea.

The Frenchman believes that if his youngsters truly believe they can beat the top two then they will not only do it but also kick-on to silverware.

Can they do it? Wenger thinks so.

“I know this team wants to do well,” he said. “But because they haven’t won [games against Chelsea or Manchester United] yet they have made it harder in their head than it really is. When we get close to winning, we play with the handbrake.

“But I know the team is mentally strong and dedicated. I see them everyday and I wouldn’t defend them if they didn’t have the right attitude. But they do have to find that final part to win the big games.

“Last year, with the same team, we didn’t really lose big games. Before we went to Manchester United in the Champions League we didn’t lose a game between November and May. This year we have lost them but we have to bounce back quickly and show everyone how strong we are.”

Danish frontman Nicklas Bendtner is still not fit enough to start, which means Arsenal are set to go with the same team that lost against United last Sunday. Abou Diaby had a fitness test on his calf problem today, so there’s still a possibility of the 22-year-old ’s inclusion. Sol Campbell is back in the squad as well.

Eduardo and Carlos Vela are ruled out.

Gooner Talk’s Predicted XI

Almunia
Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen – Clichy
Fabregas – Song – Denilson
Nasri – Arshavin – Rosicky

Have your say on the team below by telling us your predicted XI in the comments section below.

Manuel Almunia has been dropped by sporting giants and long standing sponsors Nike. The Spanish stopper was signed by the American company shortly before becoming first-choice for the Gunners and has appeared in several of their popular promotions in recent seasons.

However, the 32-year-old has now been signed by Nike’s main rivals Adidas, for whom he has been spotted wearing their brand new Predator boots. The latter do not normally hand out sponsorships to goalkeepers, so this decision is certainly seen as a notable addition to the respected brand.

When Almunia joined Arsenal in July 2004 he was immediately signed up by Puma, before coming to prominence towards the end of the 2006/07 season the Spaniard subsequently agreed a sponsorship deal with Nike. With the latest news being revealed, many will feel that this has shown that Nike have lost confidence in the veteran ‘keeper after several below-par performances in an Arsenal shirt of late.

So what do you make of the news that Almunia has been dropped by his sponsors? Is it a coincidence? Does it coincide with his form? Give your views in the comments section below.

With thanks to J.Sanderson

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has not yet returned to normal training and faces a last minute fitness test ahead of Sunday’s vital Premier League encounter against Chelsea.

Contrary to reports, the Frenchman’s return is in the balance after being sidelined with a troublesome calf injury since January 20th.

During Arsène Wenger’s Thursday press conference he admitted that the 22-year-old is a ‘maybe’ for the match at Stamford Bridge.

“Diaby is not yet back in normal training,” Wenger told TV Online. “He progresses very well but we will still have to wait until Saturday. He is a maybe.”

Meanwhile, strikers Eduardo (hamstring) and Carlos Vela (knee) remain out, but there is some positive news with Sol Campbell returning to the squad after recovering from a groin problem.

With Eduardo still ruled out, would you start Nicklas Bendtner upfront as a targetman? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.