Oi Oi Oi. Here we are approaching the final weekend of all things joyful and we find ourselves in a fantastic position. Win and CL is ours, effectively knocking out our most hated rival. Lose and well… yeah. Now, Tater Totts could do us all a big favor and just lose their match vs Sunderland but the truth is it doesn’t really matter too much given that we all start at the same time, on the same day. There is no benefit to either side to go out and give anything but maximum effort so a win is all that will do in this here position. One could almost argue that we have a bit less pressure on us because our win seals the CL spot whereas a Totts win doesn’t guarantee them shite without us losing; meaning they absolutely cannot lose OR tie (a tie for both still gives us the edge). It is a nice feeling knowing that a win for each side still screws your rival (and possibly secures a move away from Sp*rs for the Welsh tickler?). Nothing like the possibility of being able to look across the street and congratulate them on a victory all the while sending them packing for Europa glory (ask Blue Balls how exciting it is to win the Europa League but I digress as a trophy is a trophy).

Looking ahead to Sunday there is much concern over whether Arteta will be able to start or not. Honestly, I am of the opinion that unless you are able to give 100% then you shouldn’t be starting (barring our incredible need given our lack of depth this year). We need our players right now to play as fast as the opponent and not let an injury give way to a goal, or otherwise stupid decision because you just aren’t feeling 100%. And this isn’t to say that I don’t think a player CAN’T start if they aren’t 100% but I would rather we have fully fit players at certain key positions (Poldi aside because that boy partially fit is better than a fully fit GerviNO). A position like Arteta’s almost dictates a 100% fit player because he has to track  back constantly and go into defensive tackles with proper timing. I think we surely miss having Arteta in there but I think with Ramsey’s solid play of late he has shown that he can slot into that position just fine if need be.

Alas, what to do then if Arteta is ruled out? Well, we know that our forward three will contain some sort of a Santi/Theo/OG or Poldi combo. Thus, it is our middle three that is more the concern then. Rosicky and Ramsey are must starts. Thus, that leaves either Wilshere to start (maybe slot him into Arteta’s position?) or we bring in a guy like Coquelin, who could service quite well in Arteta’s position. Personally, I like the idea of starting Coquelin and then bringing Wilshere in off the bench if need be to secure a late push for goal (at least give the lad 30 minutes and a lot of pain killers). Coquelin possesses a more defensive minded approach (IMHO) and I think that is what we need with losing Arteta’s play. If we go up a goal, then we can pull Coq’s out and slot in TV and basically sit and hold while utilizing a more counter-attack approach (remember, we just need 3 points: don’t care if it’s dirty or cheap at this point). That being said, I trust Coq there as long as he is given proper direction on exactly what his role is.

Next big question is whether you slot Giroud back into the starting lineup or not. The guy definitely adds a certain missing flair to our game and his headers are something of a needed piece to our lineup/strategy/defense. That said, Poldi shows he knows what to do when the ball comes eye level and he is certainly keen on finding goal just fine. I am on the fence about this one as I really like OG’s link up play and having his head in the game. We could really go off the deep end here and slot Poldi wide, OG in the middle and Theo on the other side. That would leave our middle three at Santi, Rosicky and Ramsey. That, in all honesty, is something of a lineup I am a big advocate for. It leaves lots of creative lineup changes late in the game if need be but also keeps three strikers on the field that play very different games. We could finally have a nice look at some link up play between a more in form Poldi, who has found the goal quite nicely in recent games, and Giroud.

Right. Well, this lad here is going to catch the Copa del Rey while the little one sleeps (hopefully). Here is to an excruciating exciting finish in the Premier League.

Happy trails Gooners.