All eyes will be on Thomas Vermaelen, the Gunners faithful will want to know how quick he is over the ground, what his distribution is like and most importantly how aggressive he is when challenging for high balls

Match Preview – Barnet vs Arsenal – Pre Season Friendly

The season is almost here, the wait is nearly over which is very exciting. Especially when you have very high hopes for the season ahead as I do.

As usual our pre season starts at Underhill against Barnet, the match and result will low down the list of priorities for Wenger today. The game today will be about players regaining fitness, avoiding any injuries and experimental partnerships.

Even though we are missing several first team players from the squad, we still have some quality blended in with the quality youngsters we have.

Goalkeepers

I am sure we will not see the strongest available side take to the pitch from the start, it will be a mixture of combinations, levels of fitness and players Wenger would like to see combine with others.

If we were to select a strongest side then it could look something like this

I am looking forward to watching Tomas Rosicky. That Newcastle game was a long long time ago and I pray with every part of my body crossed that he doesn’t pick up anymore long term injuries, even short term injuries for that matter.

All eyes will be on Thomas Vermaelen, the Gunners faithful will want to know how quick he is over the ground, what his distribution is like and most importantly how aggressive he is when challenging for high balls, not that the players will be overly committed in their first pre season.

Jack Wilshere is another player I am fascinated by. I am interested to know if he is given a more central role as he has at reserve level. I also would like to know how he looks with the likes of Arshavin and Rosicky around him. Has he developed anymore physically since the youth cup final. Has he been downing protein shakes along with upper body weights?

Arsenal Vision writer Squid Boy will be at the game today, taking some snaps and notes to write a review which should be interesting, so that should be up tomorrow or next couple days.

Come on you Gunners!