Friday, October 2, 2009

Arsenal v Blackburn

Arsenal    v    Blackburn

    Barclays Premier League
    Venue: The Emirates Stadium Date: Sunday, 4 October Kick-off: 1330 BST
    Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day

    TEAM NEWS

    Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner are both in the Arsenal squad. Walcott has overcome a back problem and Bendtner returns after minor car crash injuries.

    Eduardo misses out with a thigh strain and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia remains doubtful due to illness.

    Blackburn have fitness concerns over central defenders Ryan Nelsen and Chris Samba, who both have back complaints.

    Vince Grella is suspended after his sending-off against Aston Villa last Saturday.


    Arsenal

    Suspended: None Doubtful: Almunia (chest infection)

    Injured: Denilson (back), Djourou (knee), Eduardo (thigh), Fabianski (knee), Nasri (broken leg).

    Blackburn

    Suspended: Grella Doubtful: Nelsen & Samba (back)

    Injured: Givet (knee)

    MATCH PREVIEW

    It has been a week of celebrations for Arsene Wenger, who has become Arsenal's all-time longest serving manager, surpassing the 13-year record set by George Allison in 1947. Largely unknown when he arrived on 1 October 1996, the forward-thinking Frenchman has earned his place at the forefront of Arsenal's illustrious history.

    Today every foreign manager is welcomed with a red carpet... It was not like that when I arrived. There was a history and belief in England that the foreign manager could not be successful

    Arsene Wenger, Arsenal manager

    Coincidentally, Wenger's first game as Arsenal manager was against today's visitors Blackburn in October 1996. An Ian Wright double ensured the Wenger era began with a 2-0 away victory at Ewood Park.

    The Gunners announced record post-tax profits of £35.2m earlier this week. Funds are readily available to Wenger, but his faith in the youngsters has been rewarded with five successive wins in all competitions.

    606: DEBATE

    Traditionally, the English manager who has caused Wenger's sides the most problems is Sam Allardyce. Wenger has only been able to get the better of an Allardyce team in eight meetings out of 19 in all competitions.

    MATCH FACTS

    Head-to-head

    • The Gunners did the double over Rovers last season, winning both matches 4-0.

    • Arsenal are unbeaten in six Premier League fixtures against Blackburn, since a 1-0 win at Ewood Park in February 2006. Morten Gamst Pedersen scored the only goal.

    • Rovers are yet to win at the Emirates. Their most recent victory away to the Gunners was at Highbury in October 2002 when an Edu own goal and Dwight Yorke strike secured a 2-1 win.

    Arsenal

    • Arsene Wenger's side have won their last three Premier League games at the Emirates, scoring four goals in each of them.

    • The Gunners have won nine of their 11 games in all competitions this campaign. The only blemishes to their 2009/10 record to date are the away defeats in Manchester to both United and City.

    • Arsenal have scored in all 11 fixtures this season, notching 30 goals.

    • Robin van Persie has been at his most prolific against Blackburn, scoring six goals in six games.

    Blackburn

    • Rovers' worst defeat under Sam Allardyce was their 4-0 reverse to the Gunners at the Emirates last season.

    • Blackburn have lost both Premier League away matches this campaign, but have won twice at lower league opposition in the League Cup.

    • They have managed only one clean sheet this term, in the 0-0 draw against Wolves at Molineux in August.

    • Paul Robinson has conceded 41 goals in 15 games against the Gunners - more than against any other Premier League club.

    LEADING GOALSCORERS

    Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen

    Arsenal

    Vermaelen: 4 goals (3 league)

    Blackburn's David Dunn

    Blackburn

    Dunn: 3 goals (2 league)

    MATCH OFFICIALS

    Referee: Peter Walton

    Assistant referees: Stuart Burt & Stephen Child

    Fourth official: Stuart Attwell

    LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

    Arsenal (W1-0 v Fulham, a): Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song Billong, Diaby, Bendtner, Fabregas, Arshavin, van Persie. Subs not nsed: Szczesny, Rosicky, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre, Eboue, Gibbs.

    Blackburn (W2-1 v Aston Villa, h): Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba (Salgado 90), Nelsen, Chimbonda, Nzonzi, Grella, Diouf (Andrews 71), Dunn, Pedersen (Emerton 56), Di Santo. Subs not used: Brown, McCarthy, Kalinic, Hoilett.

    MOST RECENT MEETING

    Arsenal scorers: Arshavin 2, 65, Eboue 87, 90 pen.

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