Arsene Wenger's Dilemma: The Rotation Question...

“I will go for it, but we will have to rotate. “Our success depends on the way the whole squad can focus on the different competitions. I believe we have the quality to qualify no matter what I do on Wednesday. Its just how much we are able to focus on the competition. “The timing is not the best but it is down to us because we could have beaten Leeds at home.

We didn't manage to do that but now theres no reason why we should give up. “I will prepare [for] this game to win it then we will see. It is important we go there with a positive attitude.”

WIth those words Arsene Wenger stated his intent for the game against Leeds United at Elland Road for the F.A Cup Replay, and with it, yours truly heaves a sigh of relief. I have over the past few weeks been in conversations and arguments with friends, analyst, Pundits (that has to be everyone), and opposing fans alike on the issue of Squad Rotation.

The real worry for any Arsenal should be, whether the new players coming in for their respective matches can perform. Common sense tells us that quality wise any team without the revered regulars Arsene puts out are much superior to Leeds, but whether or not our players can put in a performance that night is most crucial and in all probability decide the tie. Want an eg.

Take a look at the home leg against Leeds at home. It is important to note the reason for rotation( the obvious being that one has players in other to use them), being that, 3 days after Leeds its Wigan at the Emirates. Now usually I would not worry a lot for this tie, but since we are going to play two games in about four days, the fatigue factor does come into play.

Now when the boss says rotating the squad I do not expect 2-4 changes.Ipswich Town arrive three days later and five days later (provided we go through Leeds) its Huddersfield at home (30th January).

Two days later the team play Everton at home, and on the fifth its Newcastle away. Ideally, it wont be bad to have a couple of stables in the team of say four and at this instant, the Central Defense pairing of Djourou and Koscielny would probably play through this schedule, and with the short-term injury to Fabianski, Szczesny would certainly keep his place in goal also. Thanks to the return form suspension of Sagna, he would also get a good run of consecutive games, albeit having a rest for a game or two.

The area that concerns your truly though is in the midfield, as Arshavin, Denilson and Rosicky have serious not played well in the past couple of weeks. They have to come to the table and make it difficult for the Manager to drop them after this run. Nicklas Bendtner, Marouane Chamakh and Carlos Vela must also start racking up goals, so as not to put up any pressure on our most potent goal-scoring quartet of Robin Van Persie, The Walcott, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

That been said, it is imperative that Arsene Wenger should mix it up when it comes to his Formation as against small team(who pack the bus), it is not usually nice playing with our new found 4-3-3 formation. The 4-2-3-1 or expertly tested 4-4-2 would come in handy.

I rest my case here and hope these run of games are one that would bring joy to the hearts and minds of Arsenal fans and Purists alike , when over. "A mark of Champions is not only to get past obstacles like this but also not being complacent. Consistency is the key for success this season, and AW is fully aware of it. We really performed against West Ham, and it is that performance which we require more often." Good luck Goons....