PSV On The Offensive?

The PSV game looms large in our thoughts and I am indebted to another of my continental cousins, Clogholic, for his update on the situation from Eindhoven.

‘Hey man, defensively we are in the deep doo-doo. Kromkamp, Da Costa, Reiziger, and Alcides are all out. That leaves just Alex and Salcido and Koeman will have to play reserves like Addo, Lamey, or Sun Xiang, unless he drops someone like the experienced Cocu into the back line.’

‘I know you will think I have been in the coffee shop, but there has to be a real possibility that Koeman will be forced to play an attacking formation. Certainly if Afellay passes a fitness test then our midfield and attack will be pretty much at full strength, and you have to play to your strengths, don’t you?’

I don’t know about you, but I hope ‘Cloggy’ hasn’t been at the vegetation. Koeman sides have proved very difficult to break down in the past, and if they are forced to be more adventurous that could work to Arsenal’s advantage.

More on the big game tomorrow. I cannot let the day go without congratulating the coaches of the Gunners youth teams. Who would have thought that a reserve fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea would make the news. It was good to see that a mass brawl resulted in the flashing of yellow cards rather than red. Even better that the kids are being instructed in the art of handbagging at such a tender age!

Until tomorrow, when hopefully ‘Cloggy’ will be back with his view on Arsenal ahead of the big game, adieu.