Football Update: English Premier League Preview- Arsenal vs. Blackpool
Arsenal are scheduled to take on Blackpool in the opening game of the second week of matches in the English Premier League. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing one all draw that they were held to with Liverpool, in their opening game. Arsenal looked to create numerous chances in that game, but just couldn't seem to find the back of the net.
After some good positioning by Marouane Chamakh, Pepe Reina got distracted enough to put the ball into the back of the net and in doing so he saved the North London team from a disappointing opening day defeat.
The best player on the Arsenal squad during that game was easily, Samir Nasri. Nasri however, will not be participating since the midfielder has injured his knee, which will be operated on and will cause the player to be sidelined for up to a month. This just ad's to Arsenal's growing injury concerns. Nickalas Bendtner and Aaron Ramsey are also still out injured with their long term injuries.
Some good news however for the teams fans is that, captain Cesc Fabregas will be making his season debut tonight. Along with him Robin Van Persie, Alex Song and Johan Djourou are scheduled to also start. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal copes up with the injuries that their key players have picked up so early on in the season.
Israeli defender, Dekel Keinan is said to be in line to make his debut for Blackpool. However, goal keeper, Paul Rachubka will continue to be sidelined after undergoing a surgery on his knee. Blackpool's striker, Jason Euell will also miss the match due to injuries. These players will add to Blackpool's own list of long term injured players. Blackpool has a wonderful opening weekend in the Premier League. The team went on to destroy Wigan by three goals to nil, in what was the teams first game in the English top flight.
Most experts had bet that Blackpool would set a new all time low point record, this season. However, the team answered their critics in some style and with authority. All the experts are now indecisive on how the team will fair up this season.
Some key facts going into the game are:
Arsenal have kept six clean sheets in their last seven home matches.
The last meeting between Arsenal and Blackpool ended in a three one win for Arsenal and was played way back in the 1999-2000 FA Cup.
Arsenal are currently unbeaten in their last six matches against Blackpool.
Blackpool have scored in each of their previous thirteen games.
Experts believe that the match will be dominated by Arsenal, who are guaranteed to win it as long as they don’t forget to shoot in front of goal. However, if Blackpool pull of the same performance that they did against Wigan, then we could be on course to see one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Arsenal are most likely going to take the three points that are up for grabs in the game. Fabregas and Van Persie will be looking to get the Gunners back on track and the only way for them to do so would be by, displaying some wonderful football. The game is guaranteed to be a treat to watch for the neutrals, as Arsenal will be looking to bring their 'A' game.
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