Bendtner admits Arsenal miss Fabregas

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner concedes that the Gunners are beginning to miss the creative spark of sidelined captain, Cesc Fabregas.

The 21-year-old Spaniard is expected to miss up to four months of action after damaging knee ligaments during the Premier League draw with Liverpool eight days ago.

The Gunners got back to winning ways yesterday, winning only their second game of December, with a tight 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at the Emirates.

Their Danish frontman Bendtner foresees a drought of sorts for his side in the absence of their captain, whose assists have been key to the manner in which Arsene Wenger's line-up conducts its business.

No player laid on more Premier League goals last season, and Bendtner admits that the void in midfield will not be readily filled.

He told Ekstra Bladet: "Of course we notice that he is out. He was our engine and he created loads of chances for others with his fantastic passes."

Arsenal are currently 10 points adrift of leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League crown, and lie in fourth as a result of some decidely shaky domestic results.

The Gunners' championship status has been reduced to outsiders thanks to defeats to the likes of Fulham, Hull, Stoke and Manchester City.

Bendtner cannot easily recognise where the team's problems have lain, but understands the importance of consistency in one of the most open top-flight seasons in recent years.

He concluded: "I really can't see that we've lost it [the league]. Everyone knows how fast things can change. None of the top sides can afford to relax for the remaining 18 games."

Gallas scored for new three points

Arsenal - Portsmouth 1:0

Arsenal left it late but they eventually managed to pick up all three points against a resilient Portsmouth side, thanks to a William Gallas goal less than ten minutes from time.

The home side were guilty of missing a few clear cut chances throughout the match and it looked as though they were going to draw their fourth successive Premier League match until the defender popped up.

The goal owed plenty to Portsmouth goalkeeper David James though, who flapped at a free-kick, allowing Gallas to head into an empty net.

The win means that the Gunners are back on level terms with Aston Villa in the battle for fourth, but the crowd, and the manager, will not have been too pleased the display.

Returning striker Emmanuel Adebayor could, and should, have put the game to bed on a few occasions but he missed golden chances, whilst others looks flat and uninspired.

Ex-Gunner Tony Adams was given a warm reception on his return to Arsenal, and even though his side fought hard, he will know the result, the fourth straight defeat for his team, does him no favours at all.

First-Half

With both sides low on confidence at the moment, it was no surprise that the match started as a cagey affair, with possession swapping hands frequently. Despite having Emmanuel Adebayor back in the side, Arsenal did not look comfortable, and it looked like they could go behind on the ten minute mark, when David Nugent broke behind the defence. The linesman belatedly lifted his flag though, much to the relief of the home crowd, for what appeared to be a tight offside call.

Playing on the right wing Nugent was looking a real threat in the early exchanges, and was involved in the move which saw the first real chance of the match, as Peter Crouch cracked the woodwork with a header from Marc Wilson's cross. Portsmouth were starting to play with real purpose in a deathly quiet Emirates, but they were indebted to Sylvain Distin thirty minutes in, as he blocked a shot off the line.

It was Adebayor who had the chance, after Emmanuel Eboue had played him in and he rounded David James, only to see Distin block brilliantly on the line. In truth it would have been a harsh goal for Portsmouth to concede, bearing in mind how well they had kept Arsenal at bay all match, and they didn't let their heads drop after the chance.

Distin and ex-Arsenal man, Sol Campbell, looked solid at the back, and whilst the home side did get a chance to put some good balls into the box, too often they were wasted. Samir Nasri was the main culprit from the dead ball situations, but on the whole Arsenal were struggling to get into the game, as Pompey sat back for stages and soaked up the pressure. The half-time whistle was greeted by an abject silence in the ground and Arsene Wenger was visibly unimpressed on the touchline.

Second-Half

Knowing they needed a goal Arsenal came out looking strong after the whistle and Portsmouth yet again cleared a shot destined for goal, this time Papa Bouba Diop was the saviour from Niklas Bendtner's header, after James had spilled a cross. The pressure was beginning to mount on the southern team and they were lucky not to go behind just ten minutes into the half when Adebayor missed yet another great chance.

The big striker found the ball at his feet, following another error from the Portsmouth goalkeeper, but he failed to hit an empty goal for the second time in the match. The away team could not get the ball from Arsenal wh, in typical style, were passing it around a lot, but without any real end product.

The crowd were growing frustrated by the lack of any cutting edge, and in an attempt to spice things up, Wenger threw on Carlos Vela to replace Eboue. The Mexican was outmuscled on more than one occasion by the Pompey defence though, as Arsenal persisted with their passing game. It did nearly pay off with just twenty minutes left, but this time James was the hero not the villian as he made a good stop from Nasri.

The England international soon changed though as his error led to Arsenal taking the lead with the clock wearing down. It was Denilson who delivered the cross, and the 'keeper flapped at the ball, missing it, and allowing Gallas to head into an empty net. The home crowd knew how important the goal was, and even though it was hard work it seemed as though Arsenal would be rewarded.

The last ten minutes presented just the one moment of panic, as the ball bounced around in the Arsenal box and twice Crouch cracked shots at goal, only for Gael Clichy to eventually clear. The home side did not come under too much pressure though, and the full-time whistle was greeted with a huge cheer, as the Gunners move back into fourth.

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Boxing day Aston Villa - Arsenal LIVE

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Premier League Preview: Aston Villa - Arsenal

Aston Villa go into this Boxing Day clash from the commanding heights of third place in the Premier League, underlining that Martin O'Neill's impressive and pacy team are undoubtedly the most credible contenders from outside the traditional Big Four for Champions League qualification in 2009-10. What is also no longer in doubt is that Arsenal are the Big Four incumbents most at risk from the threat represented by Villa's challenge.

Indeed, since these two teams last met - at the Emirates as recently as 15 November - they have swapped places. Prior to that game just under six weeks ago, Arsenal were fairly buoyant after two well-received victories over Manchester United and (in the Carling Cup), Wigan Athletic. They were in third place, seeking a third straight win in all competitions, while Villa, in fifth, were anxious to avoid a third successive League defeat. They managed that, in some style, becoming only the third visiting side ever to win at the Emirates with a deserved and convincing 2-0 victory.

At that time, Villa needed to beat the Gunners by a five-goal margin to overtake them, but subsequent results have done the trick nicely for O'Neill's men. The Villans, who beat Arsenal through a Gael Clichy own goal on 70 minutes and a Gabriel Agbonlahor effort ten minutes later, then went on to hold champions Manchester United 0-0 at home, and returned a similar result at Villa Park against improving Fulham before winning dramatically 3-2 at Everton, beating Bolton 4-2 at home and triumphing 1-0 at West Ham. True, there were a couple of UEFA Cup defeats, with weakened teams, during that period, but not at the expense of the Birmingham club's progress to the knock-out stages of that competition. Agbonlahor and Ashley Young have been influential all season, contributing 14 Premier League goals between them so far, plus a raft of assists.

Meanwhile, Arsenal followed their loss against Villa with a humbling 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, bounced back to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and Wigan 1-0 at the Emirates, then recorded successive 1-1 draws at Middlesbrough and at home to Liverpool. In between they beat Dynamo Kiev but lost to Porto in the Champions League (though they have qualified for the next stage) and were eliminated from the Carling Cup by Championship side Burnley.

It has been a mixed bag of results for the North Londoners, typical of their season as a whole; but Arsene Wenger has also had other problems to deal with. Growing criticism of his transfer market frugality and emphasis on youth, together with the William Gallas affair and the captaincy issue, last weekend's serious injury to new skipper Cesc Fabregas and the red card for Emmanuel Adebayor, have compounded the Frenchman's most problematic season by far as Arsenal boss.

In contrast, O'Neill's stock continues to soar. The former Celtic boss is embellishing his reputation in the West Midlands as Villa move into pole position to disrupt the Big Four's cosy hegemony. The Ulsterman's progress was underlined by the fact that last month's win at the Emirates was Villa's first success over Arsenal, home or away, in 20 attempts - and they will be anxious to build on that by inflicting a double over the wounded Gunners.

Wenger of course continues to insist that Arsenal are still very much in the title mix (what else could he say?), and that the four teams currently above his own - Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester United - will slip up at some stage as the Gunners strive to get back into a more challenging position. Although they remain eight points behind current leaders Liverpool, and outside the top four places, Arsenal must be relieved, if not encouraged, that this season's seems to be the title that no club has yet made a sustained push to win. All the contenders are dropping points - indeed, none of the 'Big Four' has won a match since 6th December, which has played nicely into Villa's hands.

Wenger said in the build-up to this game: "The title is won in May and we are in December. Mathematically we will fight until the end.

“I believe Liverpool will drop many points. I am convinced of that. They had four draws at home. That means they dropped eight points, why shouldn't they drop eight more in the second half of the season?”

He added: "Villa are mathematically in there but if you asked me if they are going to win the title I would say no because there are other teams who to me look better equipped.

"For a place in the top four, they are a threat.

"We are three points behind and have a good opportunity to come back on them. It is a very important game for us."

Villa manager Martin O'Neill is predictably playing down his club's fans' hopes of earning a Champions League place. But while trying to keep expectations in check and everyone's feet on the ground, even he admits there has been much progress at Villa Park since his arrival in 2006.

He said this week: “Two seasons ago during this period we would have been beaten by sides less capable than West Ham. There is a great determination about this team.”

"If we could win the [Arsenal] game it would give us a major psychological boost. It would be an amazing double if we could beat them at home as we defeated them at their place.

"Of course, if Arsenal win they will have caught up with us immediately. They are a talented team who have always qualified for the Champions League without a great deal of fuss."

Victory for Villa would widen the gap between themselves and the Gunners to six points. But they haven't beaten Arsenal at Villa Park for a decade, losing five - including last season’s corresponding fixture - and drawing four of the previous nine meetings on their own patch. Their last home win against Arsenal was in December 1998, when they came back from two-down to win 3-2 in a game also memorable for the injury sustained by Santa Claus as he parachuted into the stadium at half-time but hit the roof of a stand on his descent to earth.


FORM GUIDE

Aston Villa

20 Dec (Premier League) v West Ham (A) WON 1-0
17 Dec (UEFA Cup) v Hamburg (A) LOST 1-3
13 Dec (Premier League) v Bolton (H) WON 4-2
07 Dec (Premier League) v Everton (A) WON 3-2
04 Dec (UEFA Cup) v MSK Zilina (H) LOST 1-2
29 Nov (Premier League) v Fulham (H) DREW 0-0

Arsenal

21 Dec (Premier League) v Liverpool (H) DREW 1-1
13 Dec (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (A) DREW 1-1
10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1


TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa

John Carew (back) and Wilfred Bouma (ankle) are ruled out, and O'Neill may be without Martin Laursen, who has a knee injury, and Carlos Cuellar, who was substituted after sustaining a heavy challenge during the 1-0 win at West Ham. If neither make it, Nigel Reo-Coker and Zat Knight could be handed starts.

Squad: Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, L Young, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Barry, A Young, Agbonlahor, Reo-Coker, Knight, Shorey, Harewood, Gardner, Salifou, Osbourne, Guzan.

Last Starting XI (v West Ham): Friedel, Cuellar (Reo-Coker 58), Davies, Laursen, Luke Young, Petrov, Milner, Sidwell, Barry, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Harewood, Delfouneso, Knight, Shorey, Gardner.


Arsenal

Injuries continue to blight the Gunners' season, and the blow they suffered last Sunday against Liverpool, losing captain Cesc Fabregas for possibly four months with a damaged medial knee ligament, was the heaviest yet.

Fabregas now joins Tomas Rosicky (whose hamstring problem has kept him sidelined for nearly 12 months), Theo Walcott (shoulder), Eduardo (out since February with a broken leg), Kolo Toure (calf) and Nicklas Bendtner (knee) on the unavailable-through-injury list. Meanwhile, striker Emmanuel Adebayor is suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

Squad: Almunia, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Eboue, Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Van Persie, Bendtner, Toure, Silvestre.

Last Starting XI (v Liverpool): Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas
(Diaby 46), Song Billong, Nasri (Eboue 90), Adebayor, Van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Aston Villa

Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will again be the biggest threats to Arsenal, given their pace and penetration and the vulnerability at the centre of the Gunners' defence. And midfielder Steve Sidwell will be keen to shine against the club with whom he started his career - while goalkeeper Brad Friedel will be extending his record-breaking run to 171 consecutive Premier League appearances.

Arsenal

Gael Clichy will no doubt relish the challenge of trying to contain Young, and will want to put in a decent performance after conceding an own goal in the reverse fixture. A problem for Arsene Wenger will be deciding who will replace Cesc Fabregas in central midfield, and of course who will captain the team. Abou Diaby will probably be a candidate for the former role (though Aaron Ramsey, on his 18th birthday, could be a surprise choice), while Manuel Almunia will probably be given the arm-band - unless Clichy gets a crack at it.

Fabregas wants to return as soon as possible

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas stated that he will come back very soon, and even stronger than before.

Cesc Fàbregas has revealed that he would willingly have had surgery if it had been required to repair his injury, and that he was fortunate that his leg was in the air when Xabi Alonso caught him.

The Arsenal midfielder visited Doctor Ramón Cugat in Barcelona to determine whether an operation was required and is now hoping to be able to spend the first few weeks of his comeback in the Catalan capital with family.

After being told that he will be out for four months following the blow to his knee that he sustained in a tackle with compatriot Xabi Alonso at the weekend, Cesc was philosophical.

"After consulting the best doctor we have decided not to operate. If it had been necessary then I would have been the first to have said we should., but the doctor has recommended not to because I am young and have not damaged the meniscus," Marca quote him as saying.

"I will be out for around four months. My aim now is to return as soon as possible and help my team-mates. I will endeavour to be back quickly to do what I like doing best and that is to play football.

"It is the first serious injury that I have had in my career. They effect everyone now and again and this just my turn. I will just have to wait, keep to the time frame and return as soon as possible."

Xabi Alonso has been concerned about his international team-mate and Cesc explained that he does not blame the Liverpool playmaker for the injury.

"I remember it was a counter-attack and Xabi Alonso and I ended up on the floor. I had my leg up and he came in like a bull and he took the ball and my leg. It is not as bad because my leg was not on the ground, because if it had been I would have been out for a lot longer," he continued.

"He worried a lot about me. He called me after the game and has been ending messages as well as talking to me before I went in to see the doctor. These are things that happen, it is football, and Xabi is a great friend of mine."

Arsenal Lose Cesc Fabregas For Three Months

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set to spend the next three months on the sidelines after injuring his knee in Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

The Spanish sensation hobbled out of the game at half-time after coming off second best in a 50-50 challenge with compatriot Xabi Alonso, forcing Arsene Wenger to send on Abou Diaby for the remainder of the 1-1 draw.

It was confirmed shortly afterwards that the 21-year-old midfielder had damaged the medial ligaments of his right knee, and he has been scheduled for a series of scans throughout the week.

Initial examinations have highlighted the severity of the injury, and the findings at this point are far from encouraging for Fabregas or the Gunners.

An unnamed source said in The Sun: "He has been told he will not be available until the end of March, which means he will miss the next round of the Champions League and a number of crucial Premier League matches."

That prognosis could become even grimmer if Fabregas is forced to undergo surgery, and it thought that the EURO 2008 winner is expecting the worst.

Further tests will be conducted this evening.

Emmanuel Adebayor Still Harbours Title Hopes With Arsenal

Arsenal could slip to nine points behind the top spot if Chelsea win their game in hand this evening over seventh-placed Everton at Goodison Park.

With twenty games to go there is plenty of time to play catch-up, but most critics believe that a realistic ambition for the Gunners should be to concentrate on preventing Aston Villa from capturing fourth spot.

This is not a view shared by Emmanuel Adebayor, though. The leggy targetman featured in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the weekend, until referee Howard Webb sent the Togolese international for an early bath for collecting two yellow cards.

"We are not happy," Manu is quoted by the Times Online as saying.

"But we can be pleased with the performance. Every player has shown character and that is good.

"We just have to keep going now. Even with ten we can play good football and so with 11 we have a chance to win.

"Against Liverpool, you could say the referee took those two points away, and if you think about our own mistakes in some other games, you can see where the title could have gone.

"But at the moment, we are still there and have just to keep going."

He added: "We managed to get a point against Liverpool, who are at the top of the table with players who are playing well.

"We have to go there, they have to play Manchester United and Chelsea, too. The title is still open for everyone to win it."

Adebayor, though, is now suspended for the crucial Boxing Day fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Liverpool gone with one point

Arsenal - Liverpool 1:1

League leaders Liverpool arrived at the Emirates aiming for a victory that would finish Arsenal’s hopes of claiming the title.

Yet the Reds were without manager Rafael Benitez who was recovering from surgery, although there was a recall to the side for Robbie Keane. Lucas Leiva and Emiliano Insua also featured in place of the injured Andrea Dossena and flu victim Javier Mascherano.

Arsenal, meanwhile made only one change from the side held at Middlesbrough last weekend with Samir Nasri replacing Abou Diaby.

The sides traded chances in the cagey opening exchanges. Steven Gerrard firing straight at Manuel Almunia after some good hold up play by Robbie Keane before Emmanuel Adebayor’s header from Bacary Sagna’s cross was claimed by Pepe Reina.

Yet midway through the first half the Gunners took the lead with a glorious goal. A superb 60 yard pass from Nasri found van Persie on the edge of the box.

The Dutchman chested the ball down, before a superb second touch took the ball away from Jamie Carragher and allowed him space to slam it home right footed.

The goal visibly relaxed Arsenal who enjoyed some controlled possession football but minutes before half-time Liverpool grabbed an equaliser.

A hopeful punt upfield by Arbeloa, found Keane capitalising on some poor Arsenal defending and the striker smashed home an emphatic finish to level the scores.

Liverpool could have gone in at the break ahead, with Kuyt setting up Gerrard for a great chance on the stroke of half time, but the Reds skipper on the stretch couldn’t quite find the target.

There was more bad news for Arsenal at the break with captain Cesc Fabregas unable to continue after picking up a knee injury in a challenge with Xabi Alonso, and Abou Diaby replacing the Spaniard.

The visitors picked up where they left off at the start of the second half, dominating possession and with Lucas forcing Almunia into a decent stop after some good work down the left by Insua.

However, the biggest talking point of the second half undoubtedly occurred on the hour mark when Adebayor received a second yellow card from referee Howard Webb after a clash with Arbeloa.

Whilst Arbeloa went to ground clutching his face, after appearing to catch a stray arm from the Arsenal striker, Webb appeared to brandish the card for Adebayor having gone in for the tackle with his foot over the top of the ball.

The decision infuriated both the Arsenal crowd and a frustrated Arsene Wenger on the touchline and with the tempo well and truly raised, the tackles began to fly in with Sagna and van Persie both going into the book for rash challenges, swiftly followed by Jamie Carragher.

Yet strangely the sending off seemed to suit Arsenal who battled impressively against a Liverpool side seemingly reluctant to take a risk against ten men and turn one point into three.

Indeed the closest the visitors came was a speculative shot from range by Agger that just missed the top corner and a header from substitute El Zhar that flew inches wide.

However, it was not enough and Liverpool, unable to make their man advantage count, had to settle for a draw and what they may feel is a missed opportunity.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas (Diaby, 46), Song, Nasri (Eboue, 90 +1), Adebayor, Van Persie.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Lucas (Ngog, 88), Alonso, Riera (Babel, 71), Gerrard, Keane (El Zhar, 81).

GOALS

1-1 Liverpool (Keane, 42)

1-0 Arsenal (van Persie, 24)

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Premier League Preview: Arsenal - Liverpool

The incentive for breaking into the top four places of the Premier League was vividly illustrated on Friday when the draw for the Champions League Round of 16 was made, and these two residents of England's 'Big Four' were handed mouth-watering ties. Arsenal will play Roma in February, while Liverpool take on Real Madrid, as both English clubs seek to reach the quarter-finals for the second year in succession. Last season, of course, they met each other at that stage of Europe's top club tournament; and on Sunday they meet again for the first time since then, with precious Premier League points at stake.

Current League leaders Liverpool will probably be pleased to be on the road again after their recent dropped points and inhibited displays at Anfield; but then again they may view a trip to the Emirates with some disquiet, having failed to beat Arsenal away in ten attempts since February 2000 (eight Premier League games, one FA Cup tie and a Champions League clash). The Gunners won six and drew four of those; but nevertheless they have still been beaten more often (14 times) and dropped more points (60) in the Premier League against Liverpool, than against any other club.

The two sides were great rivals in the last few seasons of the old Football League, alternating as champions in the four seasons between 1987-88 and 1990-91 - when George Graham and Kenny Dalglish were the respective managers, Alex Ferguson's Manchester United were yet to hit their formidable trophy-winning stride, and Chelsea were nowhere near the top four. The Reds and the Gunners remain major adversaries, as members of the 'Big Four', and there are any number of reasons why Saturday's meeting will have a special resonance.

The Revenge Factor

The Arsenal camp harbour a grievance following last April's Champions League elimination. They claim they were denied a clear penalty towards the end of the Emirates leg when Dirk Kuyt hauled down Alex Hleb in the area. And they feel the penalty awarded to Liverpool for a foul by Kolo Toure on Ryan Babel, immediately after the Gunners had equalised to move ahead in the tie on away goals, was harsh. The fact remains that Liverpool won that epic collision 5-3 on aggregate, and progressed to the semi-finals where they suffered their own torment at the hands of Chelsea.

Arsenal strikers Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor have both suggested that revenge on Sunday would be sweet.

The Big Four Factor

Both Arsenal and Liverpool are unbeaten in their games against fellow Big Four rivals this season. That is another way of saying each can point to a home win against Manchester United and an away win against Chelsea already in this campaign. Obviously both will want to preserve their 100% record in Big Four meetings. But for the Gunners, it has been - and continues to be - a matter of brinkmanship. Whereas Liverpool have been first or second all season, Arsenal's inconsistency has seen them vacillate, and after last weekend's results they found themselves in fifth-place, their Champions League slot having been usurped, at least temporarily, by Aston Villa, whom they meet at Villa Park on Boxing Day.

That means they must again strive to keep their title hopes alive by pulling a win out of the bag against another of the big boys. It was the same when they took on Manchester United and then Chelsea in recent weeks: defeat in either of those games might have effectively ended their aspirations to win a fourth Premier League crown and 14th top-flight title overall. They won; but the value of those epic victories has been undermined by dropped points in other games. Arsenal have already lost five times in the League - to Fulham (away), Hull (home), Stoke (away), Aston Villa (home) and Manchester City (away) - and history suggests they cannot lose any more and still go on to claim the championship. So this weekend they must again take all three points to remain in touch at Christmas.

Yet Liverpool's form has also been less than convincing recently. They remain top, but as much because of the stumblings of their rivals as through the irresistible quality of their own performances. Nevertheless they hold a substantial eight-point lead over their North London hosts, and will be striving to make that eleven.

The Inconsistency Factor

Arsenal have been hit-and-miss all season. Their seeming inability to string a winning sequence together was again evident at The Riverside last week. They took an early lead through Emmanuel Adebayor in a dominant opening against Middlesbrough, but were pegged back in a 1-1 draw. Indeed, Wenger's side have won only one of their last four games in all competitions.

However, Liverpool are not exactly in outstanding form themselves at the moment: they've drawn three of their last four League games, and will be anxious to start turning those stale-mates into victories that yield maximum points if they are to realise their ambition of lifting a first Premier League crown - their first top-flight title since 1990.

Arsenal striker Adebayor has warned his team-mates against assuming that wins against two of the top teams mean another can be expected against the leaders. “We have to forget about what we have done against Chelsea and Manchester United,” the Togo striker said. "We have done that so the most important thing is just to keep focused against Liverpool.

“If we think because we have beaten Manchester United at home and Chelsea away we are going to win easily against Liverpool then we have got everything wrong. We all know how important this is for the club so we will just try to keep our dreams alive. For us the most important thing is to keep positive. We have a good chance because we play at the Emirates Stadium in front of our own fans. We always play quite well there.

“As a player you dream of playing in these big games. When I was young I had a chance to watch Arsenal against teams like Liverpool and Manchester United. Now I have a chance to be in those games.”

But Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa also believes his team can bounce back from their disappointing home draw against Hull and get what they need against the Gunners. He said, “We believe in ourselves and we can get a good result there.”

The Rafa Factor

Liverpool's preparations for this game have been overshadowed by the hospitalisation of manager Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard has been bed-ridden following surgery to remove kidney stones, so assistant manager Sammy Lee has been taking training during the week. Lee, though, doesn't think the absence of Benitez has been a major distraction.

He said: "We have already planned what we are going to do so we will just be sticking to that. The main man may not be here, but we have to keep things going so he can just pick up from where he left off when he comes back."

Something else Liverpool have tried to shrug off this week is the speculation surrounding Robbie Keane. The ex-Tottenham striker has been the subject of rumours suggesting he could be leaving the club in January, which the Reds have denied - although he is likely to be named as a substitute again at the Emirates, even through Fernando Torres is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

The ’89 Factor

Twenty seasons ago, uniquely in English League history, the fate of the title was decided in the very last match of the season, Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield, in which either Liverpool or Arsenal would be crowned champions. Liverpool, who had already won the FA Cup, would win the coveted double if they beat, drew with or even lost to Arsenal by one goal to nil. The Gunners had to win by 2-0 to claim their first title since 1971. And Arsenal, leading 1-0 through Alan Smith from early in the second-half, scored the vital second in the dying minutes to win the championship in the most dramatic finale to any season before or since. Ironically, the scorer of the late, winning goal, Michael Thomas, later left Arsenal to join Liverpool. And Arsenal fans attending Sunday’s game at the Emirates are being urged to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that historic win by wearing yellow shirts – as their team had done on 26 May 1989.

Stat Attack

Two of the players likely to be involved in Sunday's game share the distinction of having most shots off target so far this season - Steven Gerrard and Robin van Persie have both racked up 29. Indeed, as a team Liverpool have had the most shots off target - 136. Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor shares with Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) the highest number of assists (seven), and Adebayor has also been flagged offside more times than anyone else (32). And Arsenal have had more corners (134) and more woodwork strikes than any other Premier League team. But Pep Reina has kept the most clean-sheets (ten).

Head-To-Head

Liverpool are seeking their first Premier League win in nine attempts at Arsenal. The last time they won on the Gunners' home patch - which was Highbury at the time - Titi Camara scored in a 1-0 win on 13 February 2000.

Remarkably, the two teams haven't managed an away League win - in London or on Merseyside - in nine meetings, although the Gunners won twice in four days at Anfield in early January 2007, beating Liverpool 3-1 in the FA Cup then 6-3 in the League Cup.

The overall League record between the teams (home and away) is played 168, Arsenal 58 wins, Liverpool 68, Draws 42. In the Premier League only, the record is Arsenal 9 wins, Liverpool 14, Draws 9. At Arsenal only, the Gunners have achieved 37 wins, Liverpool 20, and 27 games have been drawn. In the Premier League at Arsenal, the home team have six wins, Liverpool five, and five have been drawn.

Charity Begins At Home

This game is being dedicated by Arsenal to the Teenage Cancer Trust - which means the Gunners' players, staff and directors are all donating a day's wages to the Trust, the club's chosen charity this season. They are aiming to raise £300,000 during the course of the campaign, and there will be other fundraising activities at the Emirates on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger is also supporting the charity by donating a day's wages, and captain, Cesc Fabregas, said: "I encourage all supporters to follow our lead and give what they can. The team and I have met some patients from Teenage Cancer Trust units on several occasions throughout the partnership so far and we're all struck by the strength and courage they show in fighting this disease.

"We understand the importance of these units, which give young people a sense of normality in their lives while being treated for cancer, so we want to ensure we do the best we can for them throughout the whole partnership.

Fabregas added: "The dedicated matchday highlights the work of the charity and gives players, staff and supporters the chance to do something, however small, to reach this target. I visited the Teenage Cancer Trust unit back in August so I know what this means to the charity and the teenagers it helps."


FORM GUIDE

Arsenal

13 Dec (Premier League) v Middlesbrough (A) DREW 1-1
10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1
25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0

Liverpool

13 Dec (Premier League) v Hull (H) DREW 2-2
09 Dec (Champions League) v PSV Eindhoven (A) WON 3-1
06 Dec (Premier League) v Blackburn (A) WON 3-1
01 Dec (Premier League) v West Ham (H) DREW 0-0
26 Nov (Champions League) v Marseille (H) WON 1-0
22 Nov (Premier League) v Fulham (H) DREW 0-0


TEAM NEWS

Arsenal

Midfielder Samir Nasri could be back following an ankle injury, but defender Kolo Toure is again a doubtful starter with a calf strain. Striker Nicklas Bendtner could be ruled out by a knee problem, but Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) are still out, and striker Eduardo suffered a hamstring problem on his return from breaking his leg.

Squad: Almunia, Sagna, Nasri, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Wilshere, Eboue, Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner.

Last Starting XI (v Middlesbrough): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song Billong, Diaby (Bendtner 82), Van Persie, Adebayor. Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Wilshere, Eboue.


Liverpool

Manager Rafael Benitez could be back on the bench after an operation to remove kidney stones, but at least he has no new injury problems to worry about. Striker Fernando Torres (hamstring) is out for at least one more week, while full-back Fabio Aurelio (calf) may return after three games out. Dirk Kuyt started last weekend's draw with Hull as the main striker, supported from midfield by captain Steven Gerrard, who scored both goals as the Reds staged a dramatic come-back. Defenders Philipp Degen (metatarsal) and Martin Skrtel (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Squad: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena, Aurelio, Babel, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Lucas, Alonso, Riera, Kuyt, Keane, Ngog, Cavalieri, Insua, El Zhar.

Last Starting XI (v Hull City): Reina, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Mascherano (Leiva Lucas 87), Alonso, Benayoun (El Zhar 74), Gerrard, Riera (Babel 82), Kuyt.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Agger, Keane, Ngog.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor has scored 11 goals so far this season - and 57 altogether for the club he joined from Monaco in January 2006. He was on target in each of Arsenal's last two league games, netting the winner against Wigan and the Gunners' goal at Middlesbrough. And with Samir Nasri scoring twice in Arsenal 's win over Manchester United, and Robin van Persie grabbing both when they beat Chelsea, Adebayor may fancy his chances of getting on the score-sheet against the third of their big rivals - with a brace? The Togo striker has rehabilitated himself with the Arsenal fans after a summer spent prevaricating over a possible move to Italy or Spain, and he was on target against Liverpool in both legs of last season's Champions League tie.

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard's reputation as an inspirational leader has been further enhanced this season, his drive and determination clearly illustrated a week ago at Anfield when his side were trailing 2-0 to Hull City before he hauled them back into the game with two goals. The midfielder has already contributed 12 goals in all competitions to Liverpool's cause this season, and is likely to play a key role against the Gunners. He more than anyone at Anfield, with the possible exception of fellow-Scouser Jamie Carragher, is desperate to end the Reds' 19-year title drought, and can be expected to drive his team-mates on from midfield on Sunday, rampaging forward in search of a sight of goal whenever he can.

Wenger Expects Stern Defensive Test From Roma

Following today's draw for the first knock-out round of the Champions League, in which Arsenal were paired with Roma, Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger has warned that his side will have little room for error against the Giallorossi.

He is expecting his defenders to face a stern test in the two games - at the Emirates on February 24 and in Rome on March 11.

"We have a great chance of winning the competition," Wenger said. "But now the Champions League becomes like a cup competition. If you miss five minutes of the 180, you are out."

He regards Roma as one of the better teams in Serie A, and knows they will provide a stern examination of his back-four.

"Roma are back to form now and maybe are the best team in Italy at the moment, so it will be interesting," he said.

"Roma are a very balanced team with their playmaker (Francesco) Totti and around him they have players like (Daniele) De Rossi, (Alberto) Aquilani, (Simone) Perrotta, (Rodrigo) Taddei and Julio Baptista, who we had here.

"They are all very technical players who are comfortable in a small space. They are a team where you want to defend very well. The fact the final will be in Rome means they have an incentive to fight in the second leg."

Arsenal will be going to Rome twice.

Arsenal main shareholder Danny Fiszman declared himself happy with Roma draw.

Arsenal's major shareholder Danny Fiszman has declared that his club have every intention of planning two trips to Rome this season, as the Gunners contemplate facing Roma en-route to the Champions League final in the Eternal City.

The north London side will entertain the Romans at the Emirates late in February, with the return leg scheduled for mid-March.

With the final of the competition pencilled-in for May in the Italian capital, the Gunners are hopeful of making two trips to the Stadio Olimpico this campaign.

Fiszman insists that the club are satisfied with the draw, and feels that it has been kind to them. He was happy to have avoided some of the juggernauts of the competition, and is pleased that his side have been spared a long away trip too.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think it is a good draw for us. We have stayed away from the favourite of the moment and we have also stayed away from Panathinaikos, which meant a long trip.

"We have a good record against Roma, we are pleased with the draw.

"I think it is the old cliche, there isn't an easy game, but it is an exciting draw, exciting for the fans.

"Our fans will have the chance to go to Rome and hopefully we will do it twice."

William Gallas wants to leave Arsenal

French defender declared himself unhappy, and wants to leave the club during the next transfer window in january.

Speculation has been rife in the British press recently that Arsenal centre-back William Gallas could be set for a January departure.

The British newspaper The Times claims that the 31-year-old is almost certain to leave the Gunners as he wants a move away following a torrid time over the last season or so.

It is understood that Gallas has not been the same person in the Arsenal dressing-room since the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona in 2007, as the two are very close friends.

Apparently, the former Chelsea defender has been more angry than he has let on since manager Arsene Wenger decided to take away his captaincy and give it to Cesc Fabregas.

It is believed that Wenger took action after Gallas criticised his Arsenal team-mates during an interview to promote his autobiography.

Since then, the 108-time-capped French international's relationship with players such as Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri has apparently become strained.

While the likes of Paris St. Germain in France, and Italian duo Milan and Juventus, are keen to sign the versatile defender, his wages could prove to be a stumbling-block as he currently earns £90,000 per week in North London.

Fabregas doesn't want Barcelona

Arsenal midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas spoken about friday Champions league draw.

Cesc Fàbregas has admitted that he would prefer not to face high-flying Barcelona in the next stage of the Champions League, with the draw set to be made on Friday in Switzerland.

The Catalan midfielder recognises how strong his boyhood team currently are and has taken the unusual step of having a preference when asked about his views on the first knock-out round of the competition.

While the majority of players sit on the fence and state that all sides are difficult at this stage, Cesc has no qualms in identifying whom he does not want to face.

"We can draw some very big teams," Cesc told Sky Sports News. "We will see what happens. If you want to win this tournament you have to beat everyone

"I don't want them (Barcelona) to be honest.

"But whenever you say that you don't want someone, you get them. So I would prefer not to say anything."

Gael Clichy was not prepared to make any such bold statements and reverted to the safer ground before adding that on their day Arsenal should be able to beat anyone.

"At this stage of the competition all the teams are great teams," he explained. "We will have to play our best football and if we play our best football we have a chance to win.

"I am really confident in the squad we have and the quality."

After nine months, Eduardo on the pitch!

Arsenal reserves beat Portsmouth reserves with two goals difference (2:0) with two late goals from Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs. But this is not so important. The most Important thing is that finally we had an opportunity to see, in our opinion, best Arsenal striker, Eduardo da Silva back on the pitch.

It was beautiful to see Eduardo back in Arsenal shirt, wearing number 10 on his back. His partner in front of the Portsmouth goal was Jay Simpson, one of the guys with great future in front of him, according to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Eduardo showed that he is again going to be an exact type of player that Arsenal need right now. His pace is significant, his ball control excellent, prolific left leg...He is a "fox in the box".

Although Eduardo only played first half, he gave as confidence to believe that better days are coming, equally for him, Wenger and Arsenal.

Can't wait to see you back in first eleven, Eduardo.

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Eduardo today on the pitch

Croatian striker, Eduardo da Silva set for comeback. He will be given one hour in todays reserves match Arsenal - Portsmouth.

The Arsenal reserves have yet to name their starting XI for this evening's clash against their Portsmouth counterparts at Underhill, but striker Eduardo da Silva is set to be involved.

The Croatian hitman suffered an injury in the early moments of the Gunners' trip to Birmingham City on February 23, breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle as he was tackled late.

Khalid Baloch, the surgeon who saved Eduardo's career, has admitted that his patient's comeback is something of a miracle. He explained: "When I saw Eduardo after surgery, I predicted it would take him about 12 months before he could even think about training.

"An average person, however, would take up to two years to readjust and get back.

"Thus, to get back to training in nine months is pretty amazing."

The 25-year-old is expected to play for an hour against the Pompey second-string. Even if he comes through the test with flying colours, however, boss Arsene Wenger has warned that it could take up to six further weeks before he's anywhere near peak fitness.

The game, which kicks off at 1900 GMT, could be a landmark moment in Arsenal's season, for it could finally herald the return of a gifted player at a time when under-pressure Arsenal need some positives.

Asked if he has any fears for Brazilian-born Eduardo's mental state ahead of his return, Baloch added: "I think there is always a possibility of being mentally scarred, but I haven't come across any patients who have suffered psychologically from this type of injury."

Adebayor: "Arsenal will beat Liverpool"

Top Gunners striker, Emmanuel Adebayor believes Arsenal is better than Liverpool.

A pattern is emerging within Arsenal's patchy form. They can't always do the business against 'lesser' opposition - losing to Burnley, Porto and drawing with Middlesbrough over the course of the last four games.

Thus, the Gunners will be delighted to see Liverpool and Aston Villa on the horizon of their schedule. They've already shown, by beating Manchester United and Chelsea, that their brand of sexy football is more effective against better opposition.

Togolese hitman Emmanuel Adebayor, for one, can't wait to sink his teeth into the league-leading Reds as the north London side look to rescue their season for the umpteenth time this term.

"We just want to try to keep our dreams alive," said the striker.

"Everybody all week will talk about this game. We know how big Sunday is for the club.

"The big games bring out the best in us... big players, a great atmosphere - everything contributes to those occasions."

Boss Arsene Wenger added similarly: "There's no big difference between Liverpool and the rest of the teams near the top of the table. We can beat them."

It's clear, though, that 'Big Four' form isn't enough this season. The Gunners have already fallen out of the top four and, although they'd take great confidence from good results against 'Pool and Villa, their season will continue to be broken by also-rans unless they can find a winning formula.

Wenger: We Lacked Something But Can Close Gap On Liverpool

Arsene Wenger speaks after Middlesbrough clash.

Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor nodded home in the 16th minute to give Arsenal a first-half lead, but the Gunners could only hold onto the lead for twelve minutes as Sanli Tuncay sent in a well-weighted cross for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to level the score.

The draw meant Arsenal dropped two further points in the league in a game that they perhaps should have won, but a failure to convert their chances, coupled with a lack of urgency, ultimately led to an unfavourable result.

Nevertheless, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger still believes the title race is "wide open," though he is also quoted by the club's official website as saying that his side "lacked something."

"We tried, I do believe that," Wenger said after the match.

"In the end we lacked something, we couldn’t take our chances and I must admit I expect ‘Boro to collapse a bit more than they did in the final part. They didn’t give in, even with tired legs and that is credit to them.

"You want always to get more but I feel my team needs more encouragement because they don’t get it anywhere and that is why I want to focus on the next game."

Regarding the race for the Premier League crown, the Frenchman added: "The league is wide open but we are in a position that every point we drop we are asked about it.

"I understand that, but champions are people who never stop and we can show that belief to keep going. We can do that in the next game.

"We must believe that the next game is one to reduce the distance between us and Liverpool."

"We have a better defensive balance," Wenger added, concerning improvements in his side.

"We just lack that extra thing that comes with confidence.

"This is a young team that is under a lot of pressure at the moment and that is why it is important to keep belief."

With Liverpool only managing a point against Hull City, Arsenal have not lost any ground on the league leaders, as Chelsea are yet to play.

Aston Villa have leapfrogged the Gunners though to fourth place, as they beat Bolton Wanderers by four goals to two.

Arsenal continues to drop points

Middlesbrough - Arsenal 1:1

Middlesbrough and Arsenal are two sides that have a similar outlook in terms of their relative prudence in the transfer market, coupled with the faith their respective managers have in their youth academies.

Two former Gunners are now on the books at the Riverside Stadium: Justin Hoyte; and Jeremy Aliadiere; and the latter led the line for 'Boro this lunchtime.

It took ten minutes for play to settle and Arsenal treated onlookers to a cameo flash of zippy one and two touch football that had Middlesbrough's backline running ragged. Francesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, and Emmanuel Adebayor were at the core of the move, but Robin Van Persie failed to get his shot on target.

Diaby, who is equally capable of producing superlative-laden brilliance as he is remaining largely anonymous, made multiple decisions throughout the half that were questionable.

On one occasion Manu Adebayor fed the Frenchman in as Abou darted into the box and he went for a shot with his right foot that was easily blocked by Ross Turnbull's legs, when a low cross along the six yard line into Van Persie would have been the wiser choice.

Moments later space opened up in front of him as 'Boro's backline backed off as Diaby dribble into the final third, and he opted for a 25 yard drive that had so much slice on it that it would have made an amateur golfer's shank look modest. Adebayor though was begging for the through ball.

Arsenal opened the scoreline in the 16th minute when an unmarked and unchallenged Manu headed home from a corner kick.

The away side only kept their lead for ten minutes though as Gael Clichy's failure to efficiently clear the ball, or roll it out to touch, meant Turkish internatinal Sanli Tuncay could capitalise by whipping in an instinctive cross into the box that Aliadiere met with aplomb.

Middlesbrough had a penalty appeal on the 36th minute as Gael Clichy left his leg out and Adam Johnson went down in the box but referee Peter Walton waved play on.

Chances were few and far between in the second half as that extra bit of pace that was required to kill the game off was lacking, and the second goal from either side never looked like coming.

Gael Clichy looked intent on making amends for his earlier mistakes with some darting runs into the opposition half and into the danger areas, but his charges were ultimately fruitless.

Stewart Downing forced Almunia to get a strong hand to his drive on the hour mark as his half-volley fizzed goal-ward.

Van Persie continued with his own chances; one rolling well wide of the marker, and another wild effort lashing over the bar.

The points were shared though at the end of the day and Gareth Southgate maintained his stranglehold over Wenger; the Englishmen is yet to lose to the Frenchman.

Mtch preview: M'Boro - Arsenal

Middlesbrough may not have been enjoying the best of form or fortune just lately, but such has been the erratic and unconvincing nature of Arsenal's challenge on all fronts that the Teesside club - unbeaten by the Gunners in their last three meetings at The Riverside - are probably relishing Saturday's clash as a chance to get back on track. Indeed, a feature of this competitive Premier League campaign has been the apparent dilution of the fear factor among clubs facing Arsenal. The perception seems to be that the Gunners are there for the taking these days, and that is something that Arsene Wenger and his players need to address quickly and earnestly.

The problem is that Arsenal have been so inconsistent lately that it is difficult to predict which Gunners will turn up. Will it be the confident, free-flowing side who blew away the likes of Blackburn, Bolton and Fenerbahce away from home earlier this season; the error-strewn outfit who tossed way home points to Hull City and Tottenham; the determined, spirited battlers who won against the oddswhen they met Manchester United and Chelsea; or the anaemic shambles brushed aside with embarrassing ease by Stoke City, Aston Villa, Manchester City and, on Wednesday in Portugal, FC Porto?

The Porto defeat in some ways encapsulated all that is wrong at the club at the moment. Admittedly the Gunners had already qualified for the knock-out stage of the Champions League, had this game against Middlesbrough looming, with vital Premier League points at stake, and had a number of injuries to contend with. In the circumstances it was not surprising that Wenger selected a much-changed team, but the manner in which that team performed was seriously below-par. There seemed to be a lack of character and leadership out on the pitch, and Porto were able to threaten the Manuel Almunia's goal with alarming ease.

No doubt there will be different personnel on show at the Riverside, and hopefully from Wenger's point of view a different attitude, greater aptitude and sharper appetite. But whether it's a Carling Cup tie, another crucial Premier League game or a 'dead rubber' in the Champions League, he needs his players to be fully focused and set on victory. The winning mentality (which Robinho is finding elusive among his team-mates at Manchester City) is not something can easily be turned and off, and to invoke a cliche, while winning becomes habit, so can losing, and inconsistency never achieved anything of note for any team.

Inconsistent Boro,Too

Inconsistency has, of course, been a long-term problem for Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough. The Teessiders were undoubtedly unlucky last weekend when the referee awarded Hull the penalty from which they scored to win the game. Consequently Boro need a win on Saturday to keep themselves clear of the relegation places. Although traditionally the Gunners have dominated clashes between the two sides, having won 62 and drawn 32 of their 127 meetings, Boro have become a bit of a bogey team for Wenger's side, who have picked up just one point from the last nine available in this fixture.

That said, the North-Easterners have looked better away from home recently. But home or away, Boro need to end a four-game winless streak that has taken them out of the top half of the table into choppy waters. They are struggling for bodies at the back at the moment, but their recent troubles have been more to do with a toothless attack. They have scored only three times since beating Aston Villa 2-1 at the beginning of November, with Mido's continued absence through injury not helping a situation in which Brazilian Afonso Alves has not scored for six games and ex-Gunner Jeremie Aliadiere for eight. Fortunately for Southgate, Sanli Tuncay has been finding the net - he is the club's joint leading scorer even though he missed nearly two months of the season through injury.


FORM GUIDE

Middlesbrough

06 Dec (Premier League) v Hull (A) LOST 1-2
29 Nov (Premier League) v Newcastle (H) DREW 0-0
22 Nov (Premier League) v Bolton (H) LOST 1-3
16 Nov (Premier League) v Everton (A) DREW 1-1
09 Nov (Premier League) v Aston Villa (A) WON 2-1

Arsenal

10 Dec (Champions League) v FC Porto (A) LOST 0-2
06 Dec (Premier League) v Wigan (H) WON 1-0
02 Dec (Carling Cup) v Burnley (A) LOST 0-2
30 Nov (Premier League) v Chelsea (A) WON 2-1
25 Nov (Champions League) v Dynamo Kiev (H) WON 1-0


TEAM NEWS

Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate is faced with something of a defensive crisis, and will be without David Wheater, suspended following his red card in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hull City, while the availability of Robert Huth and Chris Riggott remains in some doubt because of injury, though both could make the starting grid. Fellow central defender Emanuel Pogatetz played the full 90 minutes against Hull, but only with the help of pain-killing injections in his troublesome shoulder.

One of Boro's much-vaunted youngsters, Seb Hines, is on stand-by for a call-up to the starting XI, but Gary O'Neil and Mido (hamstring) will miss out, while former Gunner Justin Hoyte and Andrew Taylor (knee) are also doubtful.

Squad: Turnbull, Riggott, Huth, Pogatetz, Aliadiere, Arca, Digard, Hines, Downing, Sanli, Alves, Jones, Emnes, Johnson, McMahon, Grounds, Walker.

Last Starting XI (v Hull): Turnbull, Hoyte, Wheater, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere, Arca, Digard (Hines 87), Downing, Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, Johnson, McMahon, Grounds, Walker.


Arsenal

After missing the win over Wigan Athletic last Saturday, both William Gallas (calf) and Abou Diaby (groin) returned to the squad for Wednesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat by FC Porto.

Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri picked up injuries in the Wigan game, but are thought likely to return, while Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie - who were all rested for the Porto clash - should be back to face Boro.

Squad: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Silvestre, Sagna, Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas, Eboue, van Persie, Adebayor, Fabianski, Djourou, Gibbs, Song, Vela, Bendtner, Ramsey, Wilshere.

Last Starting XI (v Porto): Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey (Wilshere 59), Diaby (Gibbs 59), Song Billong (Randall 78), Denilson, Vela, Bendtner.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Hoyte, Merida, Simpson.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Middlesbrough

Jeremie Aliadiere, 25, will be coming up against his former club. The French striker made 51 appearances (29 in the league) and scored nine goals (one league) for Arsenal between March 2000 and his move to Teesside in June 2007. And he scored the opening goal against the Gunners at the Emirates in a 1-1 draw last season.

Arsenal

The Gunners clearly missed Cesc Fabregas against Porto in midweek, and will be looking to the Catalan playmaker to makes things tick from midfield. The goalscoring record of Fabregas has been curious: 13 goals in his first four seasons with the club, then another 13 in last season alone (though all but two of them before Christmas), but only one so far this season. He's due to score again soon - and is always likely to provide an assist.

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott wins a prize.

Young gunner Theo Walcott was named a Young Player of the Year award presented by BBC.

It is sometimes hard to believe that Theo Walcott is still only 19. The Arsenal forward was picked by Sven Goran-Eriksson for England's World Cup 2006 squad at only 17 after playing only a handful of games for Southampton, and has made rapid progress since he signed for Arsenal in January 2006.

Walcott has spoken today of the pressure he has faced as a very young man trying to make his way at a high-profile club such as Arsenal.

"A lot of young players develop without the cameras on them but Arsenal are on television literally every week," said Walcott.

"And considering I went to the World Cup, a lot of eyes were on me at an early age. Obviously there is a lot of pressure. It's up and down really.

"There are good periods and bad periods as young players always have and the best thing is to just bounce back from it."

The player also remembered the sacrifice he had to make to become a top professional, and the sacrifices made by those close to him such as his father.

"At a young age it's just a fantastic achievement for myself," he said. "I've worked hard.

"Me and my dad were talking the other day. Just the mileage, all the cars blowing up, all the hard work, all the sacrifices and everything we had to make and it's all paid off in the end. All the decisions have been the right ones."

Walcott was also clearly delighted and proud to represent England, and he showed this year that he had really come of age internationally by bagging a hat-trick in England's 4-1 demolition of Croatia in Zagreb.

"It's brilliant to be part of the England squad at a young age, to play regularly," he added.

"I didn't expect to play in any of the qualifiers or to start against top international teams in the world."

Despite not expecting to start, Walcott has excelled. His experiences haven't jaded him though, and one can still sense his almost child-like enthusiasm when he speaks about the excitement of scoring that hat-trick in Zagreb.

"I've had a lot of experience at a young age going to all sorts of stadiums and hostile places," admits the youngster

"But that first 15 minutes I was so nervous, I couldn't believe it.

"You could probably tell I lost the ball a couple of times but then got a good cross in and got a goal and from there it was just sky high really.

"I pinched myself afterwards. The whole team were fantastic that night. That's what we needed for England to get the right result and I don't think anyone expected that.

"I got the match ball signed by all the players on the way back. I got my shirt signed and I've got it in my house now. It's nice to look back at that and show people, it's fantastic to look at."

Walcott is currently sidelined due to the shoulder injury he picked up in November whilst on international duty. His expected return in February is eagerly anticipated by Gunners fans.

Bendtner will rise

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken about Nicklas Bendtner weak form. He believes Danish forward will rise up and his hard training work will be shown in next games.

Along with Emmanuel Eboue, big Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner has been booed by a select few of Arsenal's own support.

Last season the tall link-up man scored some crucial goals, including the winning goal in the final Champions League game against Steau, together with a winning header in the same month against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

However, those goals have dried up and Bendtner has gone on a barren run leading some to criticise the inclusion of the Danish international.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger believes that the player has put in a lot of hard work this season, and is yet to receive his just rewards. He is also adamant that Bendtner will eventually turn into a top-class
centre-forward.

Arsenal play Middlesbrough on Saturday lunchtime, and Wenger explained in his pre-match press conference:

Rewarding Hard Work

"I believe that at this moment he puts a lot of pressure on himself and he does not play with enough freedom.

"I am sure he works harder than ever in training and that he will come good but at the moment he does not get rewarded for the kind of pressure he puts into his training."

Bendtner has made 16 first-team appearances, netting on five occasions, and has helped set up a further three goals.

Mikael Silvestre Calls For Consistency

French defender still thinks Arsenal has title chances and they have proven it by winning the big boys Chelsea and Manchester United.

Mikael Silvestre was bought from competitive rivals Manchester United for a lowly sum of £700,000 during the summer. The French defender was signed in order to provide the Gunners with some added experience in their rearguard.

Silvestre has today spoken of his belief that, having already lost five league games this season, together with the Carling Cup defeat and the midweek Champions League loss, it is now imperative that his side show a consistent winning streak.

He added that the Gunners have already shown they have title-winning qualities by taking the game to Manchester United and Chelsea, and finishing both matches with maximum points.

"We proved [by winning] against Man United and Chelsea that the quality is there so we just have to get the consistency," he is quoted by the club's official website as saying.

"The season is long," he added.

"It is difficult if you judge the team on the strength of Porto but you cannot expect to perform like that and win anything.

"The squad is big and there are going to be points to catch - on the road to Middlesbrough on Saturday first of all.

"It’s going to be tough but we have got time to grow up," he demanded.

"We've made it difficult for ourselves so far but we are still in the race."

Mikael Silvestre knows all about what it takes to win a Premier League title, as he won four of them whilst at Manchester United. He will be keen to translate that winning mentality to his current side, Arsenal.

Almunia and Wenger admits Porto was better

Arsenal goalkeeper and manager admitted that Arsenal was poor last night, and Porto deserved their win.

Manuel Almunia, captain for the night in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, was not surprisingly downcast after Arsenal were well-beaten by Porto in Porugal. The Spanish keeper admitted the Gunners had simply not got into the game at all, and bemoaned the fact that they kept misplacing passes and seldom worked his opposite number Helton.

The Gunners had fielded a much-changed team and were punished for defensive lapses either side of half-time as first Bruno Alves and then Lisandro scored the goals that gave Porto victory and took them top of the group.

Almunia told Sky Sports Xtra: "We were not in the game at any moment. We didn't pass the ball well, we lost too many balls and this way, you always lose.

"We lost 2-0 and had no shots on target at any time. We didn't feel good on the pitch and just weren't in the game.

"When we lose we have to think about what we did badly and what we have to do to improve, whether it is the first team or not."

It was a night of few positives for manager Arsene Wenger, who conceded that despite his side having been "quite comfortable" in the first half, until the first Porto goal, they were simply not dangerous when they tried to raise their game, were guilty of too many lost balls and were "too weak when they went 2-0 down".

"We were quite comfortable in the first half until the goal tonight. What was disappointing was that when we tried to come back we were not capable of being dangerous, we lost balls and then we were on the verge of conceding more," admitted the Frenchman.

Asked if he now regretted fielding a relatively inexperienced side, with several first-teamers left behind in London, Wenger said, "No," explaining that "many had little injuries," and stressing that with qualification for the knock-out stage of the Champions League having already been clinched before tonight's game, his priority had been to protect their position the Premier League - where they face a tricky asssignment at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Wenger added that he had been pleased with the positive reception for Emmanuel Eboue, adding that the under-fire Ivorian full-back had needed that support from the fans.

Given that, by finishing second in Group G rather than topping it (which they would have had they earned a draw in Porto), Arsenal could now meet Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Roma or Panathinaikos in the knock-out round in February, was the Gunners' boss concerned?

No, he insisted, backing his team to handle facing a group winner. "It will be difficult but we will be up for it and have a chance against anyone in Europe," he said.

Easy Porto win against poor Arsenal.

Porto - Arsenal 2:0

Arsenal lacked poise, power and pentration and were distinctly second-best against Porto. They had looked reasonably comfortable for much of the first half, but a familiar flaw - lack of concentration leading to lax marking at a corner - saw Bruno Alves head the hosts in front on 39 minutes. And early in the second half more poor defending saw Lisandro double the hosts' advantage.

Arsenal travelled to Portugal needing a draw against Porto to finish top of Group G, and manager Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that beat Wigan last Saturday, with Emmanuel Eboue, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all brought into the starting XI. For Porto, playmaker Lucho Gonzalez was back, with Lisandro Lopez and Hulk forming the strike partnership.

Eboue was looking to exorcise the misery of his barracking at the weekend, which led to his being substituted after he himself had come on as a sub. Being away from home, and restored to his favoured right-back position should have made him feel better, though he is clearly a man under pressure and looked understandably edgy, despite being given a decent reception by the travelling fans.

The Gunners adopted a 4-5-1 formation, Bendtner playing as a lone striker with Vela on the left wing and Ramsey on the right, and Silvestre deployed at left-back.

Eboue fouled the wonderfully-nicknamed Porto striker Hulk early on, prompting the incredible one to wave an imaginary yellow card at the Ivorian, though the referee took no action.

Undeterred, Hulk then set off on a powerful run and Eboue checked him again. Alves took the free-kick and bent it in teasingly but Manuel Almunia dealt with it comfortably.

It was a fairly even, half-paced opening, Arsenal's passing looking neat and tidy but not causing Porto any problems, with Bendtner looking isolated up front. Porto though were pressing Arsenal well when not in possession, denying the Gunners time and space.

After they won a midfield scrap for the ball, Hulk was sent sprinting on to an astute defence-splitting pass, and it needed an outstanding last-ditch interception from Johan Djourou to snuff out the danger.

The Gunners followed that by mounting their best attack so far, Alex Song turning smartly but Bendtner overhitting a lay-off to Eboue. Then a slick through-ball from Denilson for Bendtner saw Brazilian goalkeeper Helton dash quickly off his line to gather.

Arsenal's first real shot at goal arrived on 26 minutes when teenager Aaron Ramsey ended a determined run with a powerful left-foot drive that was parried away by Helton.

Bendtner had to receive treatment after Alves' arm accidently caught him in the face, and a minute later Porto carved out an excellent chance as Gallas was robbed near his own goal and Almunia was forced into a smart save. The Portuguese side followed that with a rampaging run by Meireles who undid his good work with a long-range strike that flew well wide.

Then Porto earned a free-kick in a dangerous position after a Denilson foul, but Alves hit it straight into the wall and away to safety, though the hosts were beginning to dictate by this stage. And on 39 minutes they duly took the lead from a corner. Diaby was guilty of allowing Alves to power into the area and head home Meireles' flag-kick unhindered. It was too easy for defender Alves, and a poor goal to concede.

Although the Gunners picked up the game for the remainder of the half, they lacked any punch or real conviction and Porto went in deservedly ahead.

The second half got underway with the London side continuing to misplace their passes in the final third. Within the space of two minutes, Lucho was yellow-carded by the fussy Greek referee for a lunge on Eboue, and the Arsenal player was then booked for fouling Lucho.

After Ramsey tried an ambitious overhead kick that went wide, Porto struck again with a finely taken goal on 54 minutes that again exposed inept Arsenal defending. Silvestre allowed Lisandro to get goal-side of him and the rest of a flimsy back-four, and he strode on before firing the ball emphatically into the roof of the onrushing Almunia's net.

Vela was hacked down but the ref waved play on to the annoyance of Wenger on the touchline, and the manager responded by taking off the enterprising Ramsey and out-of-touch Diaby and sending on teenagers Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs.

Just after the hour, with Porto looking comfortable and Arsenal short on confidence and ideas, Rodriguez burst down the left leaving defenders trailing, then cut in and tried to find the bottom far corner with a shot but dragged it wide.

Arsenal switched to 4-4-2 but Bendtner in particular kept giving the ball away when the Gunners looked to get the ball forward. It was giving Porto opportunities on the counter-attack, and on one such break, Rodriguez sprinted through but Eboue managed to keep up with him and do enough to put him off, the Porto player firing wide.

Arsenal mounted a promising attack through Vela's run, but the Mexican was brought down to end the threat, though it was not a foul, said the referee.

Argentine Lucho got a lucky deflection off Gallas but his first-time shot went the wrong side of the post. Lucho was promptly replaced by Costa, and Rodriguez by Mariano as Arsenal sent on Randall for Song.

Apart from an impressive cameo role from Wilshere, and an earlier decent shift by the man he replaced, Ramsey, Arsenal were poor, lacking cohesion in a disjointed display in which their defending was at times shambolic and their passing off-target.

On 83 minutes, the Gunners earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, but Bendtner's low kick went through the wall but straight at Helton.

After a mazy Wilshire run came to nothing, incredibly Hulk was taken off for Guarin. But Porto, with a little more care, might easily have won by four or five.

The final whistle sounded on a game the Gunners will quickly want to forget. And by finishing second in their group behind Porto, they could face Barcelona, Bayern Munich or Juventus in the next round.

Porto: Helton, Fucile, Rolando, Alves, Emanuel, Gonzalez, Fernando, Meireles, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez.
Subs: Nuno, Stepanov, Guarin, Mariano Gonzalez, Lino, Sektioui, Costa.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Silvestre, Djourou, Ramsey, Diaby, Song, Denilson; Vela, Bendtner.
Subs: Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Hoyte, Merida, Randall, Simpson.

New captain leaves club

Fabregas stated that one day he will return to Spain.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his desire to move away from the club and back to Spain upon completion of the terms of his current contract.

Fabregas still has six years to run on his current Gunners deal, having signed a long-term agreement in October 2006.

However, the Barcelona-schooled 21-year-old admits that he still harbours a long-term ambition to feature in La Liga.

The Euro 2008 winner conceded in the interview with Radio Marca that not even his place in the Arsenal line-up can be guaranteed, but affirmed that he is still happy and motivated at the Emirates.

Fabregas was handed the captaincy last month after manager Arsene Wenger stripped it from William Gallas, and the midfielder admits that the responsibility has had an effect on his game.

Nevertheless, Fabregas stated that it is a question of 'when' rather than 'if' he returns to ply his trade on the Iberian peninsula.

He told Radio Marca: "The idea has always been the same. That's why I signed such a long contract.

"What happens is that nobody in football has guaranteed place anywhere. Today everything is so changeable, so complicated that you never know, but the truth is that I'm very happy, very motivated and being captain is an extra incentive.

"Everybody knows that one day I would return to Spanish football. It's an experience I want to live. I want to play in Spain as a professional."

Adebayor: "Forget pretty football"

Throughout all Arsenal's turmoil so far this season, they've continued to play good football. Many questions have been asked of the Gunners' mentality, but few have slammed them for bringing quality to the majority of their matches.

However, their penchant for sexy football has seriously hampered their title bid, which has hung by a thread for weeks now.

Now, even flamboyant forward Emmanuel Adebayor wants the gloves to come off and for his teammates to show the kind of grit that can haul them back into contention.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's final Champions League group game at Porto, he said: "We are eight points behind first place and now we just have to control ourselves, not to worry about whether we play with elegance or not.

"The most important thing is not the way we play, it's what we are going to achieve.

"Now we have to forget about how we are going to dribble, how many passes we are going to make - the most important thing is to get the ball in the back of the net and that is it."

Generally the North London side have fared better against their Big Four rivals that the Premier League also-rans, but Togolese star Ade knows there's no more margin for error, regardless of the opposition.

He noted: "We have to fight as a team and that is how we are going to try to achieve something this season.

"To be champions, you need to win every single game."

Arsenal, however, are at least already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.