It is a difficult decision because it is unlike Arsene to drop a young player after one game after giving him the chance to shine. It is also unlike the manager not to reward a player after making such an impact from the bench so both players have a good chance of staking a claim

I have liked Blackpool for many years now, I have had some fantastic times there in my teenage years. Spending long weekends with my chums enjoying the night life and all that comes with that. I even semi took the Blackpool team under my wing, I say under my wing, I didn’t actually know any of the players but whoever the lowly club were playing I sided with them for a split second until my attentions quickly changed to something more important.

In 2010/2011 Blackpool have managed to find themselves in the promise land that is the Premier League, the play off final last season was thrilling and hugely entertaining, I obviously backed the Tangerines to beat Cardiff and was pleased to see them make the big time.

Wigan paid the ultimate price for not taking the opposition seriously enough last weekend. A thumping 4-0 away win on their Premier league debuts was some entrance into the big time and they will be wanting to continue walking on cloud nine. Arsenal at the Emirates is a totally different proposition to Wigan at the KC Stadium. We know we are far superior to the visitors and I doubt that they would have faced a team like ours for a number of years but we should have learnt our lesson from a few seasons ago, not to take anything for granted.

Phil Brown’s newly promoted Hull City came to the Emirates and took on a team swaggering around, assuming that victory was available at the click of fingers. We were caught cold and Arsene will hopefully get that message through to the players who walk onto the pitch this afternoon.

Blackpool are expected to lose, they are expected to lose heavily so anything other than an early goal conceded will give the visitors added self belief.

Having said the above, I would still expect an Arsenal team who are cruising in second or third gear to have too much for Blackpool. Had the game of been at Blackpool then the banana skin may have proved a little more slippery but with home comforts I imagine that this hill may prove a little too steep to climb.

Arsene’s options were somewhat limited at Anfield last week and even though Samir Nasri is unavailable for the short term, our options have increased dramatically with the inclusion of Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Johan Djourou and Alex Song. Denilson isn’t quite ready but I would assume that he is very close.

I have been wondering what players will start the game and I suppose I could only really gage that by the fitness and sharpness of the players. Information that I do not have. Only the Arsenal coaching staff and the players know what level they are on.

I do not believe that Cesc will come straight into the team without any pre season and without being on the bench last weekend so I expect our captain to take his place amongst the substitutes. Theo Walcott will replace Emmanuel Eboue in the attacking right sided position. While Robin Van Persie could well come and make his first start of the season in place of Marouane Chamakh. I am guessing that Chamakh still has a bit of adapting to do before he is fully ready to play in every game in English football.

If Alex Song starts the game which I fully expect him to, then the only real decision could be who plays the attacking midfield position, Rosicky who changed the game at Anfield or Wilshere who the manager showed great confidence in by starting him.

It is a difficult decision because it is unlike Arsene to drop a young player after one game after giving him the chance to shine. It is also unlike the manager not to reward a player after making such an impact from the bench so both players have a good chance of staking a claim. Is there room for both players? Both players are certainly versatile enough to play in a number of roles for the team but I do not see it. I think Theo will be selected to pin Blackpool back whilst Arshavin will be played into form.

I am very excited and interested to know what Wenger will do. There is usually a surprise in their somewhere so we shall wait and see. Chamakh and Van Persie could start together or Diaby continues in his defensive midfield position of last week. Not long before we know.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

I suspect that if Cesc does start on the bench then he will get at least 30 minutes to gain some match sharpness. The reaction to him when he steps onto the pitch will be interesting. I do not envisage any type of negativity which would be good for the whole squad.

One to watch: Theo Walcott

It is very difficult to choose a one to watch so early but I have a good feeling for Walcott. He has looked pretty sharp since the beginning of pre season. Technically he looks to have improved, his touch and feet look better than when we last saw him last season.

Theo’s final ball is still inconsistent and needs plenty of work but that will come, his decisions will improve. I would much rather his overall play was functioning correctly as his contributions to the team would be more beneficial. This game is a similar game to the Burnley match at the Emirates, Walcott was very sharp that day and hopefully he can stake his claim for the new season this afternoon.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

My original prediction was for a 4-0 victory and I can see us going 4-0 up but I had an overwhelming feeling that Arsenal would switch off and let Blackpool back in the game at the latter stages of the match. A bit like what happened against Celtic in the Emirates cup. I would much rather my first prediction though to be honest.

I want to see hard work, high tempo, clinical finishing and concentration. Oh and three points please.

Come on you Gunners.

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