Arsene Wenger... waiting game
Wenger - Fitness test set our formation
By Richard Clarke
Arsène Wenger will await the result of fitness tests before deciding on his formation for the Champions League Semi-Final second leg against Manchester United on Tuesday.
The Arsenal manager employed a 4-2-3-1 at Old Trafford last week. It did not work, the visitors barely got their game going offensively. They have to score twice at Emirates Stadium so, with Eduardo (groin) ruled out, Wenger could do with Robin Van Persie recovering from his own groin problem. However it will be a late call. The Arsenal manager suggested he would be happy to wait until the morning of the match and a positive outcome may mean a switch to 4-4-2.
“Why not?” Wenger said. “But it will depend also on who is available.”
The traditional formation worked wonders at Fratton Park at the weekend. A brace from Nicklas Bendtner put them in control before half-time. Another from Carlos Vela just before the hour killed off any chance of a comeback.
"We started in a 4-4-2,” said Wenger. “I think it looked more threatening and we looked more comfortable. But when you play Walcott on the right you play more 4-3-1-2 anyway. He is a winger not a midfielder so you have to balance the side to be a bit more defensive.
"Also, if Fabregas plays behind the striker, the striker looks to be a little isolated so you have to get the balance of the team right.
"No matter who starts, what is important is that everybody is focused so they can come on and help the team to qualify.
"That's what we have to produce on Tuesday night - the game worthy of a Semi-Final. We have to make it hard for them.”
[Monday, May 04, 2009]
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