Arsenal-Birmingham Preview

That's right. The most difficult match of the season. Until now that is, and could definitely be surpassed by another difficult match like Spurs away or City at home in a couple of weeks time.

Anyway, tomorrow at 3 p.m., GMT, we are going to be in for a tough game. Birmingham hasn't lost at home since September, I believe.

They went on a fantastic run of 13 games without defeat which is exceptional for a team who were promoted just last season and hasn´t made many significant acquisitions despite a big take over from a rich Chinese dude last summer.

They bought Chucho (amazing name) Benitez to score some goals, and he has linked up well with Cameron Jerome for the most part. Their other latin signing from Barcelona Ecuador Espinoza was a flop, and has been shipped off elsewhere.

However, the loan signing of Joe Hart was masterclass.

He has been fantastic between the sticks and is an excellent foundation for one of the stingiest defenses in the Premier League.

Anyway, Man Utd and I think Chelsea both came away without three points against Birmingham earlier in the season and obviously the Brummies will feel they are capable of stiffling us as well.

We need to dominate this game from the off, get wide and challenge Steven Carr, who is still classy but getting up there in years, and Liam Ridgewell, who, although doing a commendable job, is not a fullback.

We need Andrei to talk with his feet this weekend, we need Nasri to continue his excellent form.

We NEED Bendtner too.

Although Martin Taylor won´t be playing to rough up Eduardo (Dann and Johnson are just too good to break up), Bendtner has been in fine form and Eduardo´s confidence and, as far as I can see, pace are both completely shot. Nicky B is a must. Although not if we need to risk his ankle to save him for Barcelona.

Cesc should continue in midfield, and should/definitely will score a hat trick, one from the penalty spot, one free kick, and a left footed finished off the post an in after one of his 50 yard bursts into the box chasing after Theo Walcott.

Clichy will continue his rampaging down our left flank and hopefully Eboue can do the same from his preferred RB position.

Denilson and Diaby should continue to hold down the midfield well, and I don´t think that Lee Bowyer and Sebastian Larsson will give them many problems creatively, but I think the Premiership´s most carded player is likely to give them a few kicks.

Almunia...sigh...well nothing to do until summer to solve this problem. Perhaps someone should explain this to Andrei Arshavin.

With love,

UptheArse