Boro Preview & Champions League Draw Reaction

Tomorrow evening, Arsenal take on Gareth Southgate’s Middlesbrough side who currently are the only side to of grabbed three points from Arséne Wenger’s team in the Premier League this season.

We brought you the Injury Preview for tomorrow’s game yesterday, the news concerning Theo Walcott is that he’s fit. Rosicky, Diaby and Eduardo are still out, the latter obviously for a longer period. Emmanuel Eboue is also back from suspension which could see some needed width to the side if he starts.

As for Boro, well they have almost a fully fit squad. Luke Young, Jeremie Aliadiere (Former Gunner) and record signing Alfonso Alves are all fit to start.

Of course their main threats will come from set pieces. Stewart Downing always creates magic in the big games and will be up for this one certainly. Jeremie Aliadiere comes back to the Emirates tomorrow and the young Frenchman will want to prove a point to Arséne Wenger who let him leave last summer.

Here’s Gunners Live Predicted Line Up’s:

Arsenal:

-Almunia-
-Sagna-Gallas-Toure-Clichy-
-Eboue-Flamini-Fabregas-Hleb-
Adebayor-Van Persie-

Middlesbrough:

-Schwarzer-
-Young-Huth-Wheater-Pogatetz-
-Tuncay-O’Neil-Boateng-Downing-
-Aliadiere-Alves-

Manager’s Views:

Arséne Wenger:

“They are the only team that have beaten us,” said Wenger.

“So on Saturday we want to pay them back and get ourselves back to winning ways.”

“I really believe that this is a big game for us.”

Gareth Southgate:

“We are 12th in the league and we want to finish 12th at least.

“It is difficult to say what is a tough run-in and what isn’t. Lots of people would have put us down to beat Reading at home and we lost that.

“Sunderland play Chelsea this week, Bolton go to Manchester United next week, Reading are at Liverpool, so everybody has hard games.”

My View:

We really have to watch out for Boro, they are underestimated and underrated and personally, I feel they are a fantastic side with plenty of top players.

One problem for them is their goal source, new signing Alfonso Alves has yet to find his feet in England and will look to impress against the team top of the league.

Our league position could change if Man United beat Derby earlier in the day, but of course, three points for Arsenal would secure top spot; United with a game in hand though.

My Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Middlesbrough

Champions League Draw Reaction:

Picture from Goal.com

When I woke up this morning and had a little think about the Champions League draw, I knew Arsenal would get a difficult tie. I mean, that’s understandable considering it’s the Quarter Final, but to draw another English side would make it very, very interesting.

So of course, we drew Liverpool. 2-0 against the Champs Milan, surely this game would be another stunning result against a top side with European pedigree?

The two legs are to be played on the 2nd April & 8th April, we have to play them 3 times in a week of course, first the league, then the two CL games which could determine both sides end to the season.

Click Here For Arséne Wenger & Rafael Benitez’s Reaction

Gunners Live of course will give you all the news, previews and reports ahead of all these games so stay tuned to the best source for Exclusive Arsenal News and Views!

Boro match report tomorrow evening!

Come On You Gunners!