Back in October, Blackburn Rovers came up against a very good offensive Arsenal side whilst being a tad shaky defensively which is pretty much the story of our season

It has felt like an eternity since our last game, maybe because our last game didn’t actually resemble much of a game in the end. I have not enjoyed the weekend free without football, that hasn’t been very fun especially when Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all pick up three points which doesn’t even allow you the pleasure of pointing the finger and having a giggle to yourself.

Blackburn Rovers are next up for the Arsenal lads, never usually a game that you actually look forward to. Long diagonals, ‘let em know you’re there’ and Sam Allardyce are not really subjects that inspire you before a game.

Although Allardyce has come out recently boasting about his tactics against Arsenal, he would do well to put aside his trumpet for the time being as his record is not as fantastic as he seems to believe it is. His last victory against Arsenal was back in 2006 for Bolton Wanderers. If Arsene was as petty as myself then I would have a good sarcastic joke about that in my pre game press conference.

Back in October, Blackburn Rovers came up against a very good offensive Arsenal side whilst being a tad shaky defensively which is pretty much the story of our season. Cesc, Van Persie and Arshavin all scored that day, some of our football was simply breathtaking.

It will certainly be a completely different type of game this afternoon (reverse jinx in place) at Ewood park. The home side have a good record against the big teams in their back yard. Chelsea and Manchester United only being held to draws. Lesser teams have had better luck at Ewood Park, Tottenham proving this point with a 2-0 victory back in December.

I do not envisage the team changing very much as Arshavin is unlikely to be declared fit. Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs have also joined training but will not be risked for Monday’s clash.

Wenger could well select Bendtner ahead of Theo to add his physical power to combat a strong Blackburn side but Theo could quite easily get the nod, so we will have to see what happens there.

One to watch: Samir Nasri

Nasri has been playing decently in recent weeks without really grabbing the game by the proverbial scruff of the neck. Sami is very neat and tidy in possession but I want to see him forcing the game a little more and not always take the easy option.

I want Nasri to beat two players and head into the box without playing it back to his full back, I want Nasri to test the keeper instead of cutting it back. When you compare *Cesc’s 15 goals and 13 assists in 27 appearances with Nasri’s 2 goals and 3 assists in 24 appearances* then you have to expect more from Nasri who undoubtedly has the talent to produce better.

* Based on Premier League stats (Telegraph)

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Robin Van Persie already has a great record against Blackburn Rovers and is yet to score since his come back from injury. The law of averages suggest that Robin is ready to find the back of the net. I am hoping that the old London buses analogy can be brought into play which can allow our master striker to get a brace. I think Silvestre will have another good game after a solid display against the attacking defensive strikers last weekend.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.

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