On Thursday, as Mr Wenger did his press-conference, there was a lot of indifference towards this tie. A pretty meaningless tie in the slog towards the end of the Premier League campaign. The massive shadow of Atletico Madrid hanging over the game added to the lack of interest.
Then on Friday morning the bombshell that Mr Wenger will leave in the Summer dropped. All of a sudden the clouds lifted, the mood changed, and suddenly there was a feeling of excitement and optimism around the club.
Todays game is the penultimate PL home game under Wenger, so will the fans who stayed away in recent times return?
The official attendance will be 60k or thereabouts, no doubt. Interesting to see how many empty seats there will be though. Doubt we will fill the stadium, but expect a few back and a far happier atmosphere - until kick off at least...
In regards to what team we will put out, Mr Wenger suggested that it is a warm-up game for the Europa tie, and there are a few players in need of game time.
There was a further hint it will be a strong XI on Friday night, when Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah played for the U-23s as they sealed the PL2 title.
The team news is that Ramsey is available, but Wilshere is very doubtful and Mkhitaryan won't be involved.
Ospina's return means there is some doubt as to whether Cech will start both games this week.
The recent trend has been to rest Bellerin, Koscielny and Monreal from the back-line, with Chambers, Holding and Kolasinac coming in. Bellerin and Koscielny could well be among the players Wenger alluded to when saying they need game time.
The midfield is likely to be a 3 of Xhaka, Elneny and Ramsey, unless Wenger feels the need to rest one. Maitland-Niles would be one option to come in, it is unlikely Willock will keep his place.
Ozil is one Wenger may protect, but again possibly falls under the "needs game time" viewpoint.
Aubameyang and Lacazette could both start, and Welbeck and Iwobi will be options.
It is hard to read Wenger ahead of this one, but my guess at the starting XI is:
Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Chambers, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Elneny, Ramsey, Aubameyang, Welbeck, Lacazette.
Arsenal v West Ham preview.
posted on 22/4/18
I can smell the whiff of optimism in the air. The old dog will get the send off of his life and deservedly so.
Arsenal 4 - 0 West Ham
posted on 22/4/18
Perfect game for some of the peripheral squad members to prove their worth.
Wouldn't begrudge Wenger fielding a much less glamorous starting XI. I'd expect Atleti to do the same against Betis later on.
COYG.
posted on 22/4/18
Wenger's 824th Premier League game, the most of any manager in the competition. COYG
posted on 22/4/18
#AFC XI to face #WHUFC: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Elneny, Ramsey, Iwobi, Welbeck, Lacazette
So we've basically fielded the most probable squad to face Atletico.
Can't really understand it. There's a very obvious risk of injury against a desperate West Ham team.
posted on 22/4/18
But equally it gives the chance for the team to find a bit of rhythm. Gets players, as Mr Wenger said, important game time.
posted on 22/4/18
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 1 minute ago
But equally it gives the chance for the team to find a bit of rhythm. Gets players, as Mr Wenger said, important game time.
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I agree that there's a case to be made for giving the prospective Europa team a run-out. Especially for Ospina who's just got back.
But an attritional London derby against a relegation-threatened side is far from ideal.
posted on 22/4/18
comment by Anti_Stan_KRONK_ee 88 (57 years since spurs last won the Title) [Wenger Resignation = Progress] (U1179)
posted 4 hours, 7 minutes ago
I can smell the whiff of optimism in the air. The old dog will get the send off of his life and deservedly so.
Arsenal 4 - 0 West Ham
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Bloody Arnautovic