Mar 08
Fabregas out, Campbell & Song return — tell us your predicted line-ups against Porto
Cesc Fabregas won’t recover from his hamstring injury in time to play FC Porto tomorrow. However, Arsenal are boosted by the return of defence-minded players Sol Campbell and Alex Song for the last 16 tie.
Tomorrow’s Champions League clash is make or break where Arsenal’s European aspirations are concerned, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealing all on the injury situation earlier this afternoon.
“Cesc is ruled out for tomorrow’s game,” said the manager. “He has a hamstring problem and we could not even take a gamble with him.
“I was hoping [he would recover] after the game because we were cautious with him. He was not adamant about coming out of the team but still he has damaged his hamstring and we cannot take a gamble on him.
“However we have gained Sol Campbell back in the squad and Alex Song too, who was suspended against Burnley.”
Gooner Talk’s Predicted XI
Almunia
Sagna – Campbell – Vermaelen – Clichy
Nasri - Song – Diaby
Walcott – Bendtner – Arshavin
Who do you want to see start against Porto tomorrow? Tell us your preferred teams and predicted scorelines in the comments section below!
i agree wiv almost everything jus nt sure bout bendtner becoz we need finishin at its best 2day n wat he displayed on saturday i think wenger should give dudu a chance
We need to score, so we need an offensive lineup. We also need to take into account the current form of players. Thus:
Alumnia
Eboue Vermaelen Sol Clichy
Song
Diaby Nasri
Walcott Bendtner Arshavin
Subs: Sagna, Rosicky, Eduardo, et al.
With the way Walcott has been playing he must be in the lineup. Also, Eboue has been fantastic and much more dynamic offensively. Bendtner has not been sharp but is big and tends to get on a lot of chances. Arshavin is money what can we say.
i agree with american gooner’s line up but we wouldnt be in this mess if Manone was the goalie in the first leg
fabianski, almunia, denilson and eduardo out of the club in the summer
Arshavin won’t start since he’s not ready to play full time admit Wenger. My team would be:
Almunia
Sagna – Vermaelen – Campbell – Clichy
Nasri – Song – Diaby
Eboue – Bendtner – Rosicky
Confirmed line up…
Almunia
Sagna-Campbell-Vermaelen-Clichy
Song
Diaby-Nasri
Rosicky-bendtner-arshavin
Very very harsh on theo walcott for him not to start… rosicky needs a big game to justify his selection…No eboue either so no raw pace at all down the right not to mention the fact that sagna cant cross or beat a man like eboue but we have to put faith in the team thats selected…
Well, I agree with decision to bench Walcott. He is in process of getting form, played two good games but against Burnley and poor Sunderland home and today we have hard CL clash. Rosicky has experience and he’s much better in big matches this season.
surprising theo is on bench ..no eboue too…still a very strong line-up
just heard that theo picked up a knock from sunday…i doubt it to be honest but think he is being held in reserve for when arshavin needs to come off…
COME ON YOU GOOOOONNNEERRRRRRSSSSSS!!!!!!!
Very strong line-up even with Walcott on the bench.
Understandable why Sagna starts, he didnt play at the weekend and is stronger defensively than Eboue and will be able to handle Hulk better
come on lads!!!
hahaha of all the people to score!
no way hes done it again!!
2-0..woohoo!! and now lets put this to rest!!
Great performance
bendy you hatrik beuty!!!! and nasri what can i say my little friend well played boys 
Bring on any team proud to be a gooner for life
Awesome Performance!!!
…. and that’s how it’s done!
GREAT performance!!
I knew we would trash them but 5-0 with a Bendy_hattrick, just awesome!!! Samir you can be like Zidane!!! What a goal!!!