Arsenal travel to Liege, a little town in Belgium known for its waffles (gauffres de liege), coffee (cafe liegeois), its opera house and train station and not so exciting weather but very friendly local people who despite the rain do not hesitate to sit outsite on terraces to enjoy coffees and beers alike…
This is our last Europa League group stage game. Barring a 5-1 loss at Liege’s hand, we will qualify. A draw sees us through for sure and a win would help with our mood and confidence.
What should Freddie do? Keep the momentum going with the same squad or rotate ahead of our big test against City? We have a few injured with Bellerin, Tierney, Xhaka, Ceba and certainly Holding. Liege is not a bad squad, they have some decent players, especially Mpoku – a very able dribbler and he is an industrious player too not hesitating to put in a shift. Liege will create chances but will concede chances too so if I were FL, I d play a team with fast players on the sides and Laca upfront.
Expected team:
Martinez
Chambers, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac
Douzi, Torreira, Willock
Nelsson, Laca, Saka
My team:
Martinez
Medley, Chambers, Sok – AMN
Douzi, Luiz, Nelsson
Willock, Saka – Laca
I know that I put Nelsson as a WB but I think that with our back 3, AMN and Nelsson as WBs are not too much of a risk as long as the front three also defend properly.
COYG!
RC78
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Hi guys can you all tell me were I can get a good pub to watch the game
Many thanks, RC.. (🍺☕👍) Super read!
For me, what do we do at LB, now Tierney’s out for 3 months?! With the Christmas period upon us and a lot of games to be played, we’ll have to rest Kolasinac at some point. Could one of the youngsters deputise tonight? As we need Sead for Sunday!
Not sure what the overall score will be, but one thing I’m fairly certain of is, I can’t see us losing 5-0!!
I’m going to go with this line up –
Martinez
AMN.. Chambers.. Luiz.. ???
Willock.. Guendouzi
ESR
Nelson.. Laca.. Saka
Let’s finish off in style (& top!! Don’t say that very often these days!!) COYG
VP.. 😂😂 I’m honoured I made your list 😜
Back from Paris?
Martinez – Medley, Chambers, Sok – AMN, Douzi, Luiz, Nelson – Willock, Saka – Laka
3421 set up
Anyone coming to watch the game
@Fred – enjoyed Paris and the PSG game?
I think Freddie will start strong as you suggest above.
Medley is all left foot and AMM is all right.
Eh up, Fred… did you go to that PSG game last night? If so, lucky sod! 5 goals.. Neymar letting Cavani take a penalty! Bet it was great! Even better than Arsenal v Brighton 😜
Yea I am
Apologies again for us not meeting in Brussels next time flies sure
RC u live Belgium or out there for work
I’d really like to see John Jules get a run out this evening.
Insane lineup
Nelson can’t tackle, so what is the point of playing him in midfield?? ?John -Jules Emile Smith Rowe and Bolagun Falorin must get their debut
@Fred – live and work in Belgium but from Paris.
How was your Paris trip and did you get to see the PSG game?
@Sue – Neymar was on fire yesterday as Tuchel reverted to a 442 with basically Neymar as a false left winger. He was covered by Paredes and Kouassi in the middle, while Mbappe played as a FW (slightly on the left) and Icardi as a ST and Sarabia was also a false right winger. We played like this last year against Liverpool and beat them 2-1 and also gave them a good run for their money at Anfield. This set up is really good for Neymar and Mbappe and imagine that instead of Sarabia, we should have played Di Maria and instead of Paredes-Kouassi, we should have Gueye-Verratti so basically, our best line-up could be:
Navas – Meunier, T.Silva, Marrquinhos, Bernat – Di Maria, Gueye, Verratti, Neymar – Icardi, Mbappe
but for some reason, Tuchel often likes us to play with 3 in the middle of the part:
Navas – Meunier, T. Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat – Gueye (or Di Maria), Marquinhos, Verratti – Mbappe (or Di Maria), Icardi, Neymar
I like the first line-up better and then our bench is quite good as well:
Rico – Dagba, Kehrer, Diallo, Kurzawa – Sarabia, Herrera, Paredes, Draxler – Choupo, Cavani
I think that Kurzawa will leave this winter (maybe with Paredes) but we will recruit a wing-back that can play on both sides and Leonardo is keen to bring De Sciglio so…let us see. In any case, I hope we keep to a 442 so that we can see 4 quality attacking players on the pitch together from the start everytime (Di Maria, Neymar, Icardi, Mbappe)
I don’t know anything about Medley, but if he’s a leftie he should play LB with AMN right back. Save Kola for Sunday.
I like your expected front three RC – Laka with Nelson and Saka wide.
This is a chance to build on the small green shoots of recovery following on from our win against the Irons.
Whatever happens with new managers, I’d like to see Freddie have a successful stint as caretaker.
Fred
What area are you in (in terms of finding a pub)?
If Medley is a leftie, even better – I can update my weird and contentious 3421 set-up for tonight 😛
Martinez – Chambers, Sok, Medley – AMN, Douzi, Luiz, Nelsson – Willock, Saka – Laca
Vitor Pereira rumoured to have been approached by AFC for the job
Like some of the lineups today. Medley can play the left and AMN on the right, keep Chambo and Sok in the center, Luiz in front and not let him go into the opposing 18 yard box and let Guen roam.
Did Kola travel?
Maybe Freddie can grab a few more under 23’s and give them some real game time.
RC78, if Raul hires that guy I will personally fly a plane over the LA Rams stadium with a stan the maN out sign.
Staying in Ilford rocky but does matter which pub don’t mind going cause can do some site seeing also
I haven’t been for a while Fred, but my favourites in the general vicinity of the stadium are:
Bank of Friendship: http://www.bankoffriendship.com
and The Faltering Fullback: http://falteringfullback.com
Both should have a good atmosphere for the game.
Hi RC first to does wasn’t good but after all the places you recommended me trip turned for the better
Didn’t get tickets to psg game was thinking about going to get one from a scalper but when I reached back from Odeon gare du nord was a mess so decided to head to hotel since I wouldn’t know how the train would be running affiliates the game
What did you see in the end besides Odeon? Did you go around Montparnasse too?
Thanks rocky
What times the game 17:55?
Tuesday,l – Effil, champs parc du vosges
Wednesday – Odeon, montmatre, lenotra for cakes, passed moulin Rouge and palais but didn’t take in any of the shows
Attempted montparnassees bit no trains
I did the louve,
RC,
I am somewhat hesitant in asking what someone meant when using a word that has more than one meaning.
Your headline Post refers to Freddie ‘waffling’, or at least requesting that he does not do so.
In a broad context ‘waffle’ means saying or writing something indescribably vague, and seemingly never ending.
Of course, no one on here would ever do such a thing. That definition is peculiar to UK English.
Another definition, means that to waffle is to be unsure what to do, or just that they are unable to make up their mind.
For example, if Sue asked ‘RC, would you prefer a coffee, or would a beer suit you better, or perhaps a nice glass of red wine?”
And you replied, ” Umm, we Frenchies like red wine – but at this time of day a coffee would be good, although you can get a very good German beer at place just around the corner. But no, I will stick with the coffee, unless you want a glass of red wine, in which case I might join you?”
The latter definition is really American – so what did you mean when you asked Freddie to please not waffle? 😁
And I am sure you did not mean to stop Freddie from eating a delicious waffle — did you? 🤪
Sue,
I am currently lost in listening to Bruch’s Violin Concerto No.1, and it is so wonderful – it has notes of romance and yet it is somehow hauntingly nostalgic – altogether a superb rendering of musical magic.
You really should give it a try — modern music can be wonderful too, but classical music is the pièce de résistance of the music world.
It’s a relief to listen to music, and get away from all the political nonsense of the General Election, not that it involves me, and I’m wondering which
liartruth teller will get elected! 😁I am going back to the US over Xmas, and I will have to stomach Trump as well – yeuk! 🙄
https://mobile.twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1205164918087049219?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
The teams are out…
@Ra – am afraid you have to ask peaches for the title meaning. I had Pre March only 😉
Hello RA.. I’m a big music fan too… but I suspect the acts on my recent playlist you’ll not be too familiar with (Dave, Stormzy, Haim, BMTH, Lizzo, 21 pilots.. to name a few)
I do listen to classical at work, occasionally, as some of the patients like it… 😎
As for who will be elected, I hate to think!!
Ooh.. Trump 😖 Be a nice trip, apart from him Haha!! How long are you over there for?
RC.. Neymar did play really well last night. Such a great all round team. How long will Tuchel stay there for?
I’d forgotten what Mavropanos looked like!!
Who is playing on the left?
Martinez – AMN, Sok, Mavro, Nelson – Douzi, Luiz, Willock – ESR – Laca, Saka
Or
Martinez – AMN, Sok, Luiz, Mavro – Nelsson, Willock, Douzi, Saka – ESR, Laca
Or
Martinez – Sok, Luiz, Mavro – AMN, Douzi, Willock, ESR – Nelson, Saka – Laca
Says 3-4-3 on Sky
Oooooh that’s a funny selection of players!!!!
Thanks for the post RC. Unfortunately no time to see the game.
After yesterday and saying that I felt Ancelotti would be a shrewd idea I came across a BBC article mainly based on the opinion of Guillem Ballague. He didn’t feel he was right for us.
It did make me think that maybe I don’t know enough about Ancelotti as I thought, and I’m always ready to climb back up on that fence and sit on it for a while and maybe eventually jump off the opposite side 🙂
Would be interested in RC’s view on Ballague’s opinion. Here it is:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50761194
Two phrases
Sloppiness in possession
Slow in forward movement of ball. Believe in yourself lads.
And yet, should be winning. One spawny, misfit shot deflecting into the goal please, early on Arsenal and they will wilt.
Can someone tell me why we still passing out from the back jeez
RA, been watching a bit on the Trump impeachment hearings and the Ukraine thing. Both sides are properly going at each other and it looks even more confrontational and complicated than blinking Brexit. Any thoughts on it and can you explain it in simplistic (camel wormer idiot proof) way.
Too right, Fred. Why we persist with that malarkey is baffling!!
A word of respect and best wishes to David Faber ‘Goonerholic’ who is in hospital, and sadly, apparently very unlikely to last long in this world.
A wonderfully intelligent, longstanding Arsenal blogger, who created a fantastic, friendly community, who are all carrying on and encouraging him and his family in these hard times for them.
A true Arsenal legend and gentleman.
Best wishes ‘Holic.
I don’t believe it
👍 JML
No, no, no for us not them!
They can’t score another 4, can they???
Frankfurt are winning too, bloody typical.
Sue, I’m loving some of Haims recent songs – Summer Girl and Now I’m in it
Games a bit dull
No player within 25 yards of Laca. When will we again play forwards off each other.?
And if I see another pass by us from their third BACK to the f****** half way line I am going to break something!!
These are the things of gamees ESR and Nelson should be stepping up in
And when will we learn to take corners. So much wrong, simple skills. No confidence even from youngsters, grab the game and make a name for yourself. Do an Eddie. A depressing cloud of below average performance.
The game is like a repeat of so many others, and is really disappointing.
That said, Freddie has given fans, like me, one thing we asked for, a liberal sprinkling of youthful players, and he gets Brownie points for that.
On the other hand, he is persevering with that ridiculous strategy of playing out from the back, or the occasional GK hoof upfield to the opposition.
That is truly poor, and Freddy is never going to be the coach.
I love Summer girl, VP!! And most of their older songs.
Yes, very dull… it must be early morning in Oz? I bet you’re wishing you’d stayed in bed!
Eastenders is on in 5 minutes.. think I’ll be turning over 😂
Rockford rain pouring outside, yet still I decided to go a pub and watch football
Should have known it’d be too much to ask to win 2 on the bounce 😂
Who say play saka LB Sunday
LBG we seeing the youngster who can make it Nelson EMR needs to go
Would have liked to see Jules today
Wow stadium empty Rc78
things could be worse, imagine being a standard liege supporter
Vitoria have done us a huge favour then!!
Well, what a fortunate turn of events again!
Lot a youth in this squad, but it was obvious again in 1st half of tinkering with squad of players who do not play together often.
Forgot Mav was even alive.
Way to go Arsenal.
It all got quite exciting at the end, with Saka making a big step forward, all’s well that ends well as they say.
Martinez – 5
AMn – 5
Mavro – 4
Sok – 3
Luiz – 5
Saka – 7 for his second half alone
Willock – 5
Doizi – 6
Nelson – 5
ESR – 5
Laca – 6
Martinelli – 6
Chambers – 5
Slow and pathetic until the 65th minute
Star player – Saka in the second half
Impact player – Martinelli
Reliable players – Douzi and Laca
Disappointing – Sok, Willock
Can do better – Nelson and ESR
Need time – Mavro
Saka has 6 assists now, 2 more than any other player – what a little beast!!
That ex spud Edwards got Vitoria’s winner – Cheers, mate 👍😜
I read Ballague s article and there is a truth to his point of view. That said and at this stage, I don’t see who else can help us?
I think it emery in a Freddie disguise
Well, I think that that’s me done with trying to join in here.
Maybe I’ll start up a new blog…call it ‘Heads up our own @rses- country club’
RA, you can be a country member*
I wish you all well, will have a read occasionally.
*Well, I remember…
ps; cultural reference https://youtu.be/HPXHRX8Q2hs
Don’t hang your guitar up just yet, JML 😁
RC
Can you put a link to Balague’s article, thanks
Sue, I’m gone from here.
If you want to keep in touch, ask Peaches for my email address.
I’m ok with her giving it to you.
LB, I put up the link to that article earlier. Having championed Ancelotti yesterday I found it interesting that it gave me pause for thought and has possibly made me rethink my position.
JML, why are you off? What’s upset you? I was enjoying your witty comments.
LB my comment at 6.41
Martinelli is quite a player and so is Saka. I feel that we do have some quality young players with Douzi as well. Those 3 stand out but I am sure that Tierney, Willock, ESR, Nelson and Nketiah can also grow into good players so let s wish them the best…
Martinelli s movement and understanding of the game are quite impressive
Morning any recommendations for most see or things to do places for my last 2 days in London
Already done all the usual stuff that they tend to broadcast
Thanks in advance
Fred
Get out of London and the Country as quickly as possible before the Tories insist on you staying to pick fruit and vegetables next summer.
Was the election that bad?
Fred
Much, much worse!
@Fred – check Richmond out if you have time and the Kew Gardens. If time and Weather allow, Cambridge is nice and quaint. And if weather is crap and you like Music, you can always enjoy a Musical show 🎼
Landslide for Johnson. Swinson loses her seat. Corbyn does not step down. It s all very much a Tory dream come true
Yikes
Thanks Rc78, what kind work u do RC if u don’t mind me asking or did u do a lot of traveling
Hi Fred – my in laws are from London so I know my way around a little bit 😛 And my line of work is development cooperation
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
It’s Friday the 13th!! 😬 Which means – 3 days until the EL draw!
It’s Cazorla’s Birthday today.. Happy Birthday!!
World darts championship starts tonight 💪
David Ornstein
@David_Ornstein
Fluid/changeable but current sense:
– Arsenal want situation settled asap but right man over quick decision
– If No1 pick available, gets done
– If available in summer, FL holds fort
– If No1 pick unclear, FL holds fort + has chance to impress
– #AFC not seeking Ancelotti profile
Morning all … a stolen comment from GoonerB
…. = New post 🙂