Showdown at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza..

Arsenal take on AC Milan this week in the champions league. Anything short of their best may swing the tie in favour of our Italian opponents. AC Milan is probably the last team Arsenal would have wanted to draw. but I guess that is life. They beat Udinese last week in the Serie 1-2, and stand 2nd in the league, behind Juventus.

I rather not compare individually the players of both teams because then, I don’t think we will have a chance. Per Mertersacker will also be missing after injuring himself last week against Sunderland.

Szcszeny will start at goal, with Arsenal playing one of their strongest defenses consisting of Sagna, Koscileny, Vermaelen and Gibbs. Song will play CDM, and in front of him will be Arteta and Ramsey. Upfront will be Van Persie, Chamberlain and Walcott.

The last time Arsenal faced Milan they had a youthful team and that played a huge role in knocking them out of the champions league.

In terms of domestic form, Milan have won 3 of their 6, losing the remaining 2 to Juventus and Lazio and drawing one against Napoli.

The problem for Arsenal now is that with Mertersacker out, the remaining back up defenders are dross. Wenger has got to decide his priorities for this season. Undoubtedly he will be fielding a strong side against Milan, but his eyes will also be fixed on the fixture against Sunderland in the Stadium of Light this saturday. If Arsenal lose both these fixtures, that is one step out of the champions league, and an exit from the FA Cup. In other words, they won’t even have a trophy to even FIGHT for by the end of February.

Crucial week, crucial fixtures, can’t fucking wait…