Mikel Arteta would be likely to have more freedom to get closer to van Persie. Defensively this would be very strong but I would be concerned with the team’s ability to keep the ball if pressed intensely, it could also be a team that would lack creativity if Arteta was stopped. If Arsene felt brave then he could drop Frimpong to the bench, bring in Yossi Benayoun and drop the midfielders back a slot with

Tonight will be a big night for Wenger’s new team. It is the biggest game of the season for this new side. The Manchester United the game was played by a pre season team, a team that was still in process of being assembled. For several reasons, some forced and some badly managed has meant that we have been in pre season until 1st September. Swansea City was a first game of the season for some players and the team’s cohesion suffered slightly. However there were some good signs in the game that the team will improve.

Opposition

Borussia Dortmund away from home is a different proposition to Swansea at home. The German champions are almost a German version of what Arsene has been trying to do with Arsenal. A well run German club that has built a young team which has won the league. The difference is that Dortmund do not have to challenge against Billionaire clubs and a club that has been much stronger financially.

Borussia Dortmund have not started the season very well but will be massively up for the game. They also have home advantage and having players who all know each other very well, so it will be tough.

Defence

Our back four and keeper should be unchanged. Per Mertesacker needs to develop an understanding with Koscielny and also has all of his experience in German football so hopefully he will be able to prepare his team mates for the game.

Midfield

Alex Song is back in the squad after missing three domestic games through suspension. I expect Arsene to start Alex Song and Emmanuel Frimpong as a double shield ahead of the back four just as they did in the first half in Italy against Udinese.

Mikel Arteta would be likely to have more freedom to get closer to van Persie. Defensively this would be very strong but I would be concerned with the team’s ability to keep the ball if pressed intensely, it could also be a team that would lack creativity if Arteta was stopped. If Arsene felt brave then he could drop Frimpong to the bench, bring in Yossi Benayoun and drop the midfielders back a slot with Benayoun getting closer to van Persie.

Attack

Gervinho also joins Alex Song in the squad also serving his three match suspension. I enjoy watching the Ivorian even if his end product isn’t always what you would hope. He makes things happen, doesn’t only look to pass the ball on. He wants to skip past full backs, he wants to come inside whilst also being happy to go outside his man.

Arshavin looked somewhere near his best against Swansea but has played two International games for Russia while Walcott missed one of his through injury. I suspect that the selection decision will be down to fatigue, form and game plan.

Injuries

Aaron Ramsey got a kick against Swansea and will miss out but you have to feel for Tomas Rosicky who has not recovered. He had spent some very good years at Dortmund and it would have been nice for him to have gone back as an opposition player.

Injured list:

Abou Diaby, Jack Wilshere, Thomas Vermaelen, Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky, Sebastien Squillaci

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

A victory would do so much for this squad and I really wouldn’t put it past them but a draw would also be a fantastic result. This could well be the toughest game of the group so we will need to work hard as a team from the very first whistle and try and impose our game on them. We have plenty of pace in attack and also the craft of Arteta in midfield.

Currently the team is still adjusting, still adapting to each other. A good result can build confidence and free this team to be the free flowing attacking team that it should be.

Whatever the result, it should make for a very good offensive game of football. Lets hope it is a result that really puts the early season well and truly behind them.