Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Swansea - Prem League 25.03.2014

After the carnage of Saturday’s demolition at Stamford Bridge, it’s easy to forget that there’s another match waiting, this one a fixture with Swansea rescheduled thanks to our progress in the FA Cup. Thank the powers that be for that on two levels, for the maelstrom that currently surrounds the club is enough to make one forget how far we’ve come. A quick turn-around for the next match is just what we all need to take our minds off of the in-fighting and toxins that pass for ‘dialogue’ at the comment.

Those two levels are these: one, that the match itself will force us all to set aside Saturday and move on; and two, it reminds us that we’re still alive in the FA Cup. Had we faced Swansea a few weeks ago, we might not have this match as a distraction and potential salve. I don’t mean to suggest that the match will offer us quick and easy relief even if Swansea’s own struggles pervade far deeper, with no wins in their last eight matches dating back to 8 February. They now sit precariously above the drop-zone, currently four points clear of Sunderland, but Sunderland hold two games in hand. With this in mind, the Swans look like one of those teams with desperation on their minds. Given our current fragile state, it would be better for us if they were a number of points higher or lower, so as to reassure them one way or another of their position for next year.

Speaking before Tuesday’s clash, Arsène did not mince words or seek to displace blame, saying, “it all went wrong and I take full responsibility. It is my fault that we failed completely today because we did not turn up.” However, he was quick to remind us all of the importance of Tuesday, adding, “what is important now is that we show we have the capacity to respond, despite that disappointment, on Tuesday night.” A win against Swansea will do little to change the dynamics of the Prem; our chances of winning are all but gone. However, it’s vital that we find a way to regain confidence going forward, if only to build momentum for the final run-in. Without underestimating them, the Swans look to have come along at an ideal time. Gone is the attacking style of last season, and gone too is Michael Laudrup, but many of the other names remain the same. 

More of a concern than what Swansea brings to the pitch will be what we bring. Will our players be nervous, shell-shocked, humiliated? Or will they be determined, focused, ferocious?

LAST 3 Meetings

• Swansea City 1-2 Arsenal (28.09.2013)
• Swansea City 0-2 Arsenal (16.03.2013)
• Arsenal 1-0 Swansea City (16.01.2013

FACTFILE

• These two have only met 11 times with Arsenal winning six, losing four, and drawing once.
• Swansea have only scored 14 goals in 15 matches on the road.
• Swansea have not won away from home since 23 November 2013—a 1-2 win over Fulham.
• Five different players have scored for Arsenal: Monreal, Gervinho, Ramsey, Gnabry, and Wilshere.

INJURIES

Diaby (knee) and Walcott (knee) are still out; to that list, add Miyaichi (hamstring), Özil (hamstring), Wilshere (ankle), and Ramsey (thigh). Koscielny may have suffered a calf-strain against Chelsea but could still be available.

POSSIBLE STARTING XI

Szczesny; Gibbs, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Sagna; Flamini, Arteta; Cazorla, Rosicky, Gnabry; Giroud.

After a thorough thrashing, I see Arsenal fighting back with a vindictive vengeance against an overmatched Swansea side.

GOONERSPHERE's PREDICTION

Arsenal 3-0 Swansea 

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