Arsenal Action

[Cypriot Gooner]

Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Uefa Champions League
AZ v Arsenal, Gp H, 19:45

[Dial Square]

Arsenal are without Czech star Tomas Rosicky (knee) and striker Theo Walcott for the Champions League visit to AZ.

However, full-back Gael Clichy has shaken off an ankle problem for the Group H clash in the Netherlands after missing the win over Birmingham.

Samir Nasri (broken leg) and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (knee) continue their rehabilitation with the reserves.

Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo (both groin), Denilson (back) and centre-half Johan Djourou (knee) remain sidelined.

Manuel Almunia has recovered from illness but was kept out of the side by Vito Mannone in the 3-1 win over the Blues on Saturday and may miss out again.

The Gunners are looking to extend their 100% record in Group H following victories over Olympiakos and Standard Liege.

They sit on top of the group, leading Greek side Olympiakos by three points.

Manager Arsene Wenger was rocked with the news on Monday that Walcott had been ruled out for up to four weeks after damaging medial knee ligaments.

Although midfielder Rosicky was ruled out of Tuesday's game with a knee problem, Wenger expects him to be fit in "a few days".

The French boss expressed his long-term optimism for his young side and thinks they will peak in 2010, four years after he guided Thierry Henry's experienced Gunners to the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"I believe this team has a big future," said Wenger, who celebrates his 60th birthday later this week.

"We have improved the belief and results. However, we know we have not won anything yet, it is all in front of us and that is what we want to show this season."

Dutch side AZ, coached by legend Ronald Koeman, are at the bottom of the table having drawn and lost their two matches, but they still boast an impressive record of just one home defeat in 34 European ties.

Arsenal (from): Mannone, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelen, Sagna, Eboue, Song, Fabregas, Diaby, Arshavin, van Persie, Almunia, Vela, Gibbs, Silvestre, Merida, Wilshere, Ramsey

[stevedon]

AZ are not mugs and have quite a good defensive record at home, but they don't have teams like Arsenal in their league. On paper i think we should spank their butts, but it often doesn't work out that way. They have a smart manager and I reckon they will hit us on the break and at set pieces. I reckon it will be a draw, even though it would not be a major surprise to win 3-0.

Great to be watching Champions League - I love it.

[Gaffer]

STREAMS
http://en.zaptiger.com/fussball/uefa-ch ... nal-38371/


TEAMS

Alkmaar: Romero, Jaliens, Moreno, da Silva, Schaars, El Hamdaoui, Martens, Poulsen, Dembele, Moisander, Holman.

Subs: Didulica, Lens, Klavan, Wernbloom, van der Velden, Swerts, Pelle.

Arsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Diaby, Fabregas, Eboue, Arshavin, van Persie.

Subs: Almunia, Silvestre, Gibbs, Merida, Ramsey, Wilshere, Vela.

[ReMad]

missed chance for arsenal min.8
[url="http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=3233075"]click here for the video[/url]

[Sinbad]

Remad your codes are wrong pal

[ReMad]

1st goal for arsenal from Fábregas min.35
[url="http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=3233174"]click here for the video[/url]

[Sinbad]

Remad, thank you. But please just post the link. Your codes are not working

[ReMad]

nice FK. from V.persie min.54
[url="http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=3233313"]click here for the video[/url]

[ReMad]

1st goal for alkmaar from Mendes da Silva min.92
[url="http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=3233436"]click here for the video[/url]