El Sid Returns

You could be forgiven for forgetting that Arsenal are facing two critical home games given the furore surrounding the fall-out from the Carling Cup Final. Arsene Wenger can expect to be hammered by the FA for telling the truth, and Eboue has received a thoroughly earned three match ban. Messrs Lampard, Drogba, and Essien are breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Anyway, it’s the next few days that should occupy our thoughts as the remainder of the season could be shaped at the Grove. Reading arrive tomorrow fresh from their own FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United with a ‘rotated’ team.

We should not be lulled into a false sense of security by the four goal drubbing handed out to them at the ‘Mad Stad’. We scored early and unlike United on Tuesday we did not take our foot off the gas. Reading were possibly distracted by the controversy surrounding their meeting with Chelsea the previous week, an awful coincidence hopefully.

Mad Jens and little Cesc are set to return, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to see Theo Walcott given at least some time in a striking role against the twin towers of Ingimarsson and Bikey. One of the positives to draw from last week is that he would appear to be the one possible starter with the ability to finish in the box. His pace and trickery could embarrass the visitors back four.

Reading will be without Bobby Convey, Ibrahima Sonko and Peter Mate, who are all out for the season with knee injuries, but manager Steve Coppell has all four strikers to choose from. If the Royals’ boss goes with a 4-4-2 formation, as expected, then Dave Kitson could partner Leroy Lita in attack.

Coppell is also likely to start with Steve Sidwell and James Harper in the heart of the midfield. The two former Gunners youngsters have won many admirers this season, and Wenger’s admiration for Sidwell is well documented.. Cesc and Gilberto will need to be on top of their game to secure the upper hand in this critical area.

My oft-lost pound is going on a narrow 2-1 home win, referee and his assistants permitting. Don’t be surprised though if we have to come back from a goal down yet again!