The Arsenal Thread XXI

Southamptons squad is comparatively short, so I presume they'll make a couple of changes. To be honest, we don't even have many changes to make to our defence so I don't think there will be many. I think this is Bellerins opportunity to really show his worth.

Also, I'm genuinely excited for a Diaby debute <3

I hope Campell proves to Wenger that he's much better than what Wenger thinks of him

I reckon Bellerin showed his worth at the Emirates cup. He was great then, and when he played recently he was getting some praise, with Debuchy gone Bellerin is a certainty for most cup games, and some less important PL games.

Same with Diaby and Campbell, so excited (until they fall over each other in the changing room pre-match and break a leg each.)

Having said that though, so did Sanogo with his four goals vs Benfica

The Dourtmond game was such a hard one to have his debut in, which is why I think tomorrow will be somewhat better for him. I think its a bigger day for Campbell & Diaby though - Diaby especially.

We are playing a second rate team, and the Saints will be playing their first XI, if they win it will hardly be an upset. If any of the other big 4 lose (Liverpool are looking v. possible), then THAT will be an upset.

Southampton haven't won at Arsenal's ground in nearly 30 years, of course it would be.

Who are the Scouse playing? I haven't paid much attention to the draw.

It would be in terms of history, ok, let me rephrase that: I wouldn't be surprised if they beat our 3rd team.

They are playing the mighty Middlesborough. I know, I know - tough draw.

In. 4 pages late but...in.




Southampton is a tough draw regardless. They're one of the mid table teams I hardly look forward to playing along with Swansea, Stoke etc etc. We should do it though.

Southampton haven't won at Arsenal's ground in nearly 30 years, of course it would be.

Who are the Scouse playing? I haven't paid much attention to the draw.

Nah, with our First XI we would crush them at home. They are a bad team along with Swansea, but not one of our bogey teams like Stoke or, dare I say it, QPR.

if there's any kind of MK Dons inspired scoreline, i swear i'm gonna top myself.

Nah, with our First XI we would crush them at home. They are a bad team along with Swansea, but not one of our bogey teams like Stoke or, dare I say it, QPR.

Now that would complete me. Won't happen though

I hope you're right, literally our only realistic chance of retaining silverware.

if there's any kind of MK Dons inspired scoreline, i swear i'm gonna top myself.

it middlesborough win, i'm coming for you.

don't underestimate soton.
we underestimated them in week one and almost paid the price at anfield.

QPR lol.
mate they're pub team level - if any of the top teams fail to take 6 points from QPR this season, they deserve ultimate trolling.

can see us getting 1 point now; last minute penalty equaliser at anfield...

As long as you don't play 3ATB with Kolo Toure and 2 kids from your academy you'll be alright.

Then you bought half the club as revenge

I've never underestimated Southampton, I know how difficult they can be. I've said this for a two or three seasons now.

They are a rubbish team, but we still manage to screw up against them.

haha nah don't wanna copy united do we?

we might play a few fringe players since we have the merseyside derby at the weekend
but i'm sure rodgers will play a strong enough team to win

a third loss in a row could result in morale so low that everton crush us
however playing a full strength team tomorrow may leave them fatigued on saturday
it's a difficult balance but i'm confident rodgers will get it right.



soton for me are a big shock this season.
i thought with all the losses they suffered that they would be bottom half, but they've made some bloody amazing signings and they'll comfortably finish in the gtop half this season, most likely challenging for europa league



meh, we all have our bad teams but QPR are a whole level below everybody else; even burnley and palace.

honestly, if I were you guys, I would rest very very few players and just go for it.. as for me, you need confidence more then rest - and a good thrashing in the cup may do just that before your big game at the weekend..

What happens if an injury to Mertesacker to Koscielney occurs? Chambers goes inside, with Bellerin outside him? Monreal/Flamini as possible CBs if worst came to worst? Big few months injury wise for you guys, need to keep your defensive guys fit.