Arsenal FC: Analyzing Each of the Gunners' Remaining September Fixtures

August was an awful month for the Arsenal.

Totally stripped of quality and experience through both suspensions, injuries, and Arsene Wenger's inexplicable refusal to strengthen the team, Arsenal failed to record a win in domestic play.

The misery was compounded by the Gunners' worst defeat since the invention of the automobile, as a pathetic side got thoroughly trounced and humiliated by Manchester United to the tune of 8-2.

But now that Wenger has greatly strengthened his squad and some injured players are set to return, September looks to bring brighter days to Arsenal, although they still must overcome the long-term absences of Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen.

The fixture list is diverse as it is challenging, but with the right team selections and a team that plays to its potential, Arsenal should have what it takes to emerge successful from September, and perhaps even go unbeaten.

September 13: Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal

Defending German champions Dortmund, led by sublime midfield starlet Mario Goetze, surely present the toughest test to this new-look Arsenal side during the month of September.

Using the 4-2-3-1 formation as best as a team possibly can, Dortmund shred opponents on vicious counterattacks, and with Goetze orchestrating the midfield, the Germans can play Arsenal's possession game as well.

Along with Neven Subotic and Lucas Barrios, it is fair to say this Dortmund squad is loaded with talent, particularly that of the young variety.

The problem for Dortmund, though, is that Arsenal can match them in every respect, and can amazingly now boast the advantage of experience in some areas, although manager Arsene Wenger will be banned from the touchline as part of his ludicrous two match ban handed down by UEFA.

This should, all in all, be a very exciting game of top-class football, played by two even teams with similar playing styles.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Arsenal

September 17: Blackburn Rovers vs. Arsenal

From the hardest fixture to one of the easiest.

Just four days after being pushed extremely hard by a supremely talented Borussia Dortmund team, the winded Gunners will not have to gun it quite as hard against a lackluster Blackburn side.

I do not underestimate a Premier League team's ability to secure a shock result, as that mentality resulted in many disappointing results for Arsenal last season. But, even in an away fixture, Arsenal should have more than enough to get the job done handily.

This will be the first domestic match since the opener against Newcastle in which Gervinho and Alex Song will be available for duty. Their return will see Arsenal take on a much more threatening shape.

Blackburn meanwhile, have one of the weakest squads in the Premiership, having lost Phil Jones at the back and only possessing the fearsome David Goodwillie to provide firepower at striker. They will park the bus, though, so Arsenal will have to find a way through their clogged penalty box.

Prediction: Blackburn 0-2 Arsenal

September 20: Arsenal vs. Shrewsbury Town

It will be interesting to see who Arsene Wenger selects for the Carling Cup "showdown" with League Two Shrewsbury Town, as seeing many of Arsenal's young guns in action is always intriguing.

However, the team selection is probably the only interesting thing that may be derived from this match, as, while I cannot entirely discount a Premier League team like Blackburn, I can do so with a League Two side such as Shrewsbury.

The game will serve as valuable experience for many of the Reserve team members, though, and I would be quite surprised if Wenger selected more than one or two of his starters for this early-round fixture.

While I'm happy that the Shrewsbury boys will get the experience of playing at the Emirates in front of a large crowd, I am afraid they will be thoroughly played off the pristine pitch.

Prediction: Arsenal 5-0 Shrewsbury Town

September 24: Arsenal vs. Bolton Wanderers

After a week of rest, Wenger's boys will be out for revenge after seeing their title challenge decisively ended at the DW Stadium last season as part of their infamous title collapse.

The good news for Arsenal is that, other than the head of Kevin Davies, Bolton have little in the way of weapons up front. Well, unless you count the frightening David N'Gog.

I would not at all mind seeing my fellow American, midfielder Stu Holden in an Arsenal kit, though there is probably some measure of unprofessional bias creeping in there.

Barring any injuries, suspensions, or unplanned marriages, Arsenal should be fielding a full, rested squad capable of showing Gary Cahill that Arsenal are too good for him, while letting Per Mertesacker score a few set-piece goals on him.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Bolton

September 28: Arsenal vs. Olympiakos

Another one of the fixtures Arsenal should handle quite easily. In a Champions League group with the aforementioned Dortmund and Marseille, the Gunners should certainly have the easiest time with the Greeks.

Despite being Greek champions, Arsenal's regulars should have a fairly easy time dispatching them at the Emirates, and having played in North London for two consecutive games, there will be no travel.

And perhaps Wenger will not even opt to use all of his regulars, as the North London Derby at White Hart Lane four days after this fixture will be far more difficult and significant.

Nevertheless, if Arsenal can avoid their typical series of calamities which see them bitterly disappoint against weaker opposition, the home fixture against Olympiakos should see Arsenal complete a very successful rebound month of September.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Olympiakos

Bonus: October 4: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal

I couldn't stop at September 28th. Not when there is a North London Derby a mere four days later.

And what a derby it is shaping up to be. With Arsenal looking to be on the rise, and Spurs being, well, Spurs, the Gunners will really have an opportunity to firmly plant their feet in the top four this season.

It's tough to project almost a full month into the future to preview a match, Tottenham will certainly have Gareth Bale flying down the left wing and Rafael van der Vaart spraying balls from midfield.

But the Tottenham defence is weak as straw, and with Mikel Arteta, Robin van Persie, and Theo Walcott, Arsenal can do everything Spurs can do a bit better.

Biased? A bit, certainly, but any Arsenal fan that cannot get pumped up for a North London Derby needs to reexamine their choice of team.

Either way it will be a fantastic game of football, but one that Arsenal will surely win.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal