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Arsenal have travelled to the big game at Eindhoven tomorrow without Dennis Bergkamp. Although we usually miss him for away games in Europe due to his flight phobia, it had been expected that he would make this one by the overland route (as he usually does for the games in Holland). But Dennis has a minor achilles problem and has stayed behind to try to ensure that he's ok for the Liverpool game on Sunday. The most likely replacement is of course Reyes, but perhaps our new Dutch star Robin van Persie will get a bit more of chance to show what he can do.
In midfield, we are still without the Brazilian pair. So Vieira and Cesc may start as usual. But Flamini has returned to fitness after missing the West Brom game with a knee injury, and although he may be on the bench, he could get the start ahead of Cesc. Not only could the Spanish youngster probably do with a rest, but Flamini has more experience of big European games.
In defence, Sol Campbell has travelled and reports suggest that eh thinks he's ready. But Wenger has said he's unsure if Sol will start. "Sol Campbell has travelled but I will decide tomorrow whether to play him or not. We decided to give him a hard session on Saturday and he responded well."
PSV may be missing Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink who dislocated his shoulder at the weekend. Gerald Sibon may come in.
PSV are looking to get through the group phase for the first time in 9 attempts. They're well placed, and are guaranteed top spot if they beat us, with a game in hand. Even if they lose, they could be guaranteed to progress (if Rosenborg win at home against Panathinaikos). The nightmare scenario for Arsenal is a Panathinaikos win combined with us failing to win. Anything else, and qualificiation will still be in our own hands going into the last game at home to Rosenborg.
Rupe adds...
Actually, I was wrong with the last bit. A draw in this one would be good enough, so long as we win the last match. That's because PSV and Panathinaikos play each other on the last day, and only one of them would be able to catch us (we would be ahead on the head-to-head, against each of them). |