Anyway, they're busy thinking that our defence is still shit as:
1. Pique is good but not world class like Koscielny
2. Alba is not as good as Monreal
3. Can bully us on set-pieces 'cause we have Mascherano.
Basically, most of them are scared that MSN will score, and that they could possibly win by scoring more than us, cause of our defence.
And then again, some of them think that if a mediocre defending team like Celta can hold us to 1-1 for 58 minutes, they can easily beat that.
And then, some of the fans who got to watch '06 final and the next match, are not exactly big fans of us.
I'm very worried about their pace on the break and Ozil's ability to find the speedsters. I'm also concerned about Giroud getting himself isolated with any of our back line apart from Pique. He will maul Alves, Mascherano and Alba.
I would start Mathieu in place of Mascherano this game.
Arsenal are going to sit back and look to hit on the break and they usually thrive when there is no pressure on them.
MSN will have to bring their A game and I'm confident they will, we need the Neymar 'pre Christmas please.
Yeah, Arsenal always do well when no one expects them to.
But Mathieu shouldn't be allowed to venture out of our half unless for set-pieces. Sporting's goal happened because of him. However, I still feel Mascherano will be better, Pique will have to mark him, but Mascherano is a better defender than Mathieu. Giroud isn't their only option. Chances are, they'll start with Walcott upfront if they really want to counter us, and sub in Giroud later on.
If Busi can stop Oezil, then their supply is cut-off. If Rakitic and he can harass Oezil by applying pressure, cutting off space, then yheir only other plan is to launch long balls.