Arsenal Vs Roma: Shall Fellow Gooners Be Confident?

Arsenal Vs Roma......Jeckyl or Hyde performance from Arsenal?         

It may not have as many headlines as the other fixtures in the Champions League, but in my opinion could still provide some quality attacking football!

It is difficult to say whether the first leg at home is not as preferential, but even so I feel if Arsenal can play with as much flair and passion as they did against Cardiff then they will be fine.  Now, that is a championship side however, and we will know more when they play Sunderland over the weekend.

I was particularly pleased that Carlos Vela was on the left wing for the gunners.  I found it gave Arsenal a lot more attacking flair and creativity that the team has been witnessing this season. 

I am not fan of having central midfielders on the wings, Diaby, Denilson, Ramsey have all tried and failed.  I am hoping that the normally stubborn 'le professor' has finally seen the light and realized that the midfield as it was is simply not good enough. 

Arshavin will provide more options in the league, unfortunately cup-tied in the Champions League.

The midfield—there lies the biggest weakness. 

Song tries hard, but he simply does not seem to cut the mustard for Arsenal.  Denilson has been playing inconsistently this season, Diaby and Rosicky have become Arsenal's versions of shite Hart Lane's 'sicknote'. 

Song and Denilson will probably start against Roma in central midfield against the likes of De Rossi, Perrota, Aquilani.  Tough....yes. Inexperience vs. experience, yes again. But it is achievable. 

I feel Arsenal could have an advantage on the width.  With Nasri playing up on the big occasions and Sagna bombing down on the right to support him, and Vela on the left with Clichy, Arsenal has a great avenue for attack. 

Roma does not have much width, even less so now that Riise is injured and will be out for the next three weeks. Cicinho is one of the few attacking players who is well utilized on the width.  Still only time will tell.

The defense has sorted out the majority of the problems they were having and have been looking far more secure of late. Gallas, through all his tantrums in the past, has been playing well of late, and Toure is finding some form once again as well. 

They will be up against Totti and Baptista. 

Totti is a player who I do admire, but with as much talent as he has, he can have some real stinkers as well.  I have never really seen him play well in the big matches for Roma or Italy (hopefully not jinxing myself).  We all know 'the beast' from his time with Arsenal.  Again he can be brilliant (Baptista Vs Liverpool) or pretty crap (rest of the season).

Up front for the gooners, is none other than Van 'the man' Persi.  He has been fantastic for Arsenal season.  I hope his days of constant niggling injuries are a thing if the past.  He has been a part of virtually every goal for arsenal this season and providing he doesn't get injured against Sunderland (I feel Wenger may rest him), he will be prove vital. 

Hopefully Eduardo will get the nod instead of "I feel I should play every game" Bendtner.  I was so glad to see him back in action against Cardiff. 

Mexes and Juan are worthwhile defenders, so the guys up front will have to be at the top their game.

Hopeful line up: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy. Vela, Song, Denilson, Nasri. Van Persie, Eduardo.

On the second leg, Arsenal will hopefully have Fabby and Theo back, which will provide some welcome options for Wenger.  Adebayor will be back as well (not so enthusiastic).

That's all peeps. I feel Arsenal will be as motivated as they can be against Roma. They have not let us down in past European matches, and nothing will change.  Come on you Gunners.....we bloody love ya!!