Tomorrow's Champions League fixture holds major importance for Arsenal and AS Roma. Currently six points behind the Champions League qualifying spot, Arsenal's run in the Champions League this season looks to be the more promising route of staying in the top four. Standing in their way are the Serie A giants, AS Roma. The Romans have had a similar domestic campaign as Arsenal so far. Their chances of playing in the Champions League are dwindling as they sit at the sixth position behind Genoa. Both teams have plenty of incentive going into tomorrow evening's clash at the Emirates.
Arsenal will be missing several key players. Andrey Arshavin, who made his league debut last Saturday against Sunderland, is not permitted to participate tomorrow because of the UEFA rule stating that players cannot play for two teams during a single Champions League campaign. The long-time injured players are still out: Fabregas (recently announced his projected return date as April 4. v Man City), Walcott (shoulder), Rosicky (It's complicated), Eduardo (two more weeks), Adebayor (hamstring), and Silvestre (thigh).
Here are my projected lineups:
Arsenal
1. Manuel Almunia
3. Bacary Sagna
5. Kolo Toure
10.William Gallas
22. Gael Clichy
15. Denilson
8. Nasri
2. Diaby - just coming off injury
27. Emmanuel Eboue
11. Robin Van Persie
26. Nicklas Bendnter
AS Roma
32. Doni
2. Panucci
17. John Arne Riise
15. Simone Loria
5. Philippe Mexes
7. David Pizarro
8. Alberto Aquilani
16. Daniele De Rossi
10. Francesco Totti
9. Mirko Vucinic
19. Julio Baptista
Roma are sure to attack more than Sunderland did on Saturday. They also have a crucial match against Inter Milan this coming Sunday. There is nothing about this match that is low profile and lacking in importance. Expect passionate football, ferocious tackles, and high-quality football as Roma and Arsenal face each other to save their seasons tomorrow afternoon at 2:45 pm ET.
Hayes,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to these Champions league clashes. It's hard to believe that it's starting back up again. It seriously feels like a million years between games! And it's hard to believe that the final is after you guys will be back here for the summer!
So I saw your boy Remco here yesterday. He came out and helped coach. I've been helping Farley with the goalies and some other tactical/technical things, although he gets kind of defensive when I say anything slightly critical about any of the players. Besides that it is good. It's so different than College soccer. I forgot how different the levels are. No wonder I had a shock when I came into Asbury!
Love you brother. Paul