We really need to keep the main players together, champions league or no champions league. We cannot afford to have the same situation as last summer

I tell you what, I feel very unsure about how to approach this game. I am not quite sure how to write about this one, just as I am unsure of what to expect from the team.

This is partly due to my lack of knowledge about our opponents tonight but also my lack of knowledge about which Arsenal team will take to the field.

Abou Diaby is back in the squad and I wonder if Arsene is considering including him into the starting line up to give us that little extra offensively from midfield. Alex Song and Denilson are two defensive minded players who cannot be relied on to break down opposition defences but at the same time Wenger will want us to be able to win the midfield battle against a very strong Roma midfield.

He could well revert back to his old champions league 4-5-1 and drop Bendtner to the bench for Diaby to play the role he did so well away in Fenerbahce.

A positive display and performance could be just what this team need to kick on and get our fluid attacking football back.

It is a shame that Arshavin cannot play because his cutting edge was very refreshing on the weekend, he will only get better in time. Emmanuel Eboue is likely to start on the right in place of the Russian.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

No prediction from me today, I cannot attempt to predict the unknown. But I hope for a positive performance and goals from our team.

One player we have missed over the last few months has been captain Cesc Fabregas but Arsene wants to be careful not to rush him back too early.

Wenger said:

“He is definitely not in the squad [for the first leg against Roma] or for the second leg, But after the second leg he will not be far if it all goes well. It will be two or three weeks I think until he is back in normal training.

He can play now but a medial knee ligament takes six to eight weeks and if you go into any contact like we did against Sunderland [on Saturday] you need solid knees. He says that [he can play] and yes, I have to tell him it’s not possible. But the doctor tells him that first.”

As much as we want Cesc back into the team we have to be extremely careful about bringing him back. We have brought back Robin Van Persie too early in previous seasons and look where that has got him. It is good that he is very close though. Not only him but Tomas Rosicky is almost back as well. It is just a shame that they were not back a month earlier.

Before I go I just want to end on a positive note, but not for the press. Arsene Wenger has said that Van Persie is close to agreeing a new deal with the club.

“The latest news is that we try to extend his contract and we aren’t far,” revealed Wenger at his pre-match press conference.

“Of course he has a big responsibility because we have many offensive players who have been out. Eduardo and Rosicky – a year. Cesc Fabregas and Walcott – three months. We have a lot of offensive players out and we have to do something about that.

“Robin is completely focused and motivated to do it like the rest of the team. He knows he is at the right age to win trophies. He sees that we have the potential to do it. He is highly focused I must say.”

We really need to keep the main players together, champions league or no champions league. We cannot afford to have the same situation as last summer.

Enjoy the game.

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