Plenty of talk has been about winning mentality, commitment and desire yet his absence has almost been ignored. You would find it difficult to find a person, fan or neutral who would deny that Vermaelen does not have all of those qualities

So here it is, the very last home game of the 2010/2011 season. They say home is where the heart is but in this case it appears that the relationship at the Emirates has been rocky this season so instead the team have been playing away and having a good time whilst problems were happening at home. Hopefully public arguments do not happen during or after the game.

On to the match, Aston Villa minus Gérard Houllier roll into town. Arsene’s friend and former Liverpool manager is still on the mend after being taken ill back in April.

Aston Villa need points to make sure they beat the drop whilst Arsene would like to escape the clutches of Manchester City who are two points behind. Finishing fourth would mean having to qualify for next season’s Champions League whilst interrupting our pre season plans. Given the potential of this season, that would be a complete disaster. funny that, given the absolute joy it brought Manchester City and their millions. Such is the high expectations at Arsenal football club.

On the injury front we welcome back Thomas Vermaelen into the starting eleven for the first time since August. He will replace Laurent Koscielny who will be absent with a thigh strain. Johan Djourou is thanking his lucky stars that he will get the chance to continue in the side after his run of dropped form since his shoulder injury, well that is what he told me in last night’s dream when I met him on the bus. I had it all filmed on my mobile phone ready to show Arsenal Vision readers until I woke up. Bang goes another exclusive.

We are none the wiser about the fitness of creative duo Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. Both players were set for more tests after Wenger’s press conference so I have no clue as to whether one will be fit, both or none. In that case, I will have to go for both being fit to make my predicted line up look more impressive.

After the shambolic showing at Stoke, I certainly hope both players will be available from the start. If one or both players are not available then the possibility of Van Persie playing in the number 10 role could be an option for the manager. Arsene did say in his press conference that he may look to add another forward to certain home games but having said that. I am not sure if Aston Villa are designed for parking the proverbial bus.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Thomas Vermaelen

How could I not choose Vermy?

After such a long time out of action, well at least first team competitive action, plenty of the focus will be on the Belgian International.

We have heard a lot of talk has been about winning mentality, commitment and desire yet his absence has almost been ignored. You would find it difficult to find a person, fan or neutral who would deny that Vermaelen does not have all of those qualities.

I find myself daydreaming about Vermaelen thundering into a fair but hard tackle, picking himself up and striding away into midfield with the ball at his magical left foot. Had we had his goals alone from last year then we could already be crowned as champions.

This being said, it may well be asking a little much to expect Vermaelen to hit the ground running after such a lengthy time out of the squad. We can all hope.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction:

Arsenal 3 (Van Persie [who else], Song, Chamakh) Aston Villa 1

It is vitally important to finish the season on somewhat of a high after recent displays. You could only hope that playing in front of your support for the final time for the season and even forever for some would see the team put in the required effort. I was also thinking along the same lines against Stoke City so you never can tell.

I only hope that we see the side that last played at the Emirates as opposed to the one a week later. Time to make things up at home and make the Emirates a happy place.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.

Don’t forget to come back and join in the post match discussion and give your say on the game.