Arsenal face Swansea City on Tuesday, and with the squad rapidly changing many of us are expecting it to be an interesting match… for good and bad reasons.
Last time Arsenal faced the Swans back in October, we managed to win 2-1 despite the passing team often managing to get the better of us during previous encounters.
This time, however, the Gunners are away from home and we know how that usually goes down.
On the plus side, Arsenal have managed to offload Alexis Sanchez, who didn’t want to be at the club anymore, to Manchester United.
Just like the Gunners’ 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace, I’m hoping the absence of the Chilean will allow the team to play with more freedom.
We could also see the introduction of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who moved to north London from United when they signed Alexis. Although, whether he’ll get a start or not remains to be seen.
Here’s what Arsenal fans should expect from the Premier League clash:
1. At least two mentions of ‘Swanselona’
Because that didn’t get boring in 2012 at all.
2. Lots of sterile passing around the defence
Arsenal do it and Swansea do it – prepare to be enthralled.
3. Them singing about ‘Jack’ more than us
People from Swansea are known as ‘Jacks’. We sometimes sing about Jack Wilshere.
4. Mkhi’s first appearance in red and white
Arsene Wenger believes they've replaced Alexis Sanchez with a "world-class player" in Henrikh Mkhitaryan! pic.twitter.com/TnCW2wB6Tt
— Goal UK (@GoalUK) January 23, 2018
The 28-year-old couldn’t play against Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final because he was cup tied. Finally, we should get to see him play for Arsenal even if he doesn’t start.
5. Alexis’ name to come up at least 12 times
Did you know he was an Arsenal player who now plays for United?
6. Arsene Wenger troll face
The Frenchman will be asked about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang post-match. And he will smile.
7. Giroud to be left out
Even though he was meant to return from his hamstring injury, I don’t see Giroud even being included in the squad to face the Swans. Not with a move to Dortmund or Chelsea on the cards.
Although it would be nice for the Arsenal fans to say goodbye.
8. Ozil contract bingo
Six months left? Tick. Will leave on a free? Tick. A massive player for Arsenal? Tick.
9. Jack to have another blinder
The 26-year-old is in fantastic form. Did you know he’s also out of contract in June…?
10. Nacho to remain a boss
The left-back has been huge since his return from injury against Palace. I expect him to continue against Swansea.
11. Lacazette to be subbed before the 70th minute
Alexis may be gone but you can put money on Alexandre Lacazette still not getting a full game under his belt.
12. ‘Under the cosh’
Arsenal to be penned into their own half by the superior passing of Swansea for 10-minute intervals. And for the commentators to point it out.