Thought we could use this thread instead of having to make new ones for each game. Don't mind if people want to sack this off and create one for each match, but this is here if not and can be used for general current affairs at Arsenal that don't fit into any other thread. Anyway, next up first game of 2019/20 Newcastle V Arsenal Sunday 11th August 14:00
My main concern here is that.. Pepe, Lacazette, Bellerin, Tierney, Mavroponoz, possibly Holding are all gonna miss the first game and therefore all missed having a proper Pre-Season.
Why do you think? Its pretty self explanatory. Pre-Season tends to be more fitness, strength and mobility work. Getting the body ready for the upcoming run of games. Players tend to have better Seasons when they have had a proper Pre-Season. Also we need our best side together and fit - so they can gel, learn how the coaches want them to play etc..
We have Liverpool and Tottenham in our first four games. Not ideal when half your squad is still in the treatment room.
Looks like Ozil and Kolasinac will not travel with the team as there have been 'further security issues' involving the police so for their safety they will be left at home. I guess they have been targeted more than once since Ozil's carjacking. What is this all about? could it really be that big of an issue? player safety first I understand but they cant even travel with the squad to newcastle?? Monreal at left back I guess?
Doubt Pepe will start either. Lacazette still isnt fit. If I had to guess we will end up fielding something like.... --------------------------Leno-------------------------- AMN---------Sokratis-------Luiz--------Monreal --------------Xhaka----------Will/Torr--------------- -----------------------Cabellos------------------------ Mkhitarian---------Aubame---------------Nelson That's not a great side by any means.
This is the one downside to acquiring players super late in the window or if they were at the AFCON/Copa America. They don't have time to integrate with the squad and need additional time to get back up to match fitness. I don't even think Torreira will start, as he's only played 10 minutes of pre-season. Emery said he will only play players who are 100% match fit. Ceballos is not expected to be fully fit, either. Rumours are that he will be on the bench. Obviously Ozil and Kolasinac will be missing out through no fault of their own. My guess would be: -----------------------Leno------------------ AMN------Sokratis----Luiz-----Monreal ------------Xhaka-----Guendouzi------- --------------------Willock------------------ Mkhitaryan------------------------Nelson -----------------Aubameyang-------------- A Xhaka-Guendouzi midfield pivot is hardly inspiring stuff. I'm not exactly thrilled with that team, but I am hoping it will be enough to get the job done against Newcastle.
Tbh its anyones guess how we will perform, but weve got some better players uptop now, but whether were any better at keeping the ball is my concern. Rafa msde us a good defensive unit with a sting in its tail on the counter..