EPL Fixture Preview: Arsenal vs. Portsmouth

Ground: Emirates Stadium (Arsenal)

Arsenal Injuries: Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby, Thomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri, Lusakz Fabianski

Portsmouth Injuries: Steven Finnan, Linvoy Primus, Hermann Hreidarsson

Arsenal are coming into this game on a high after recording two quality wins over Everton and Celtic on opposing grounds. Arsene Wenger’s men have only conceded one goal so far, and have powered 7 past their opponents. Vermaelen seems to have settled very well into the squad and provides an excellent spine alongside Almunia, Gallas and the increasingly impressive Song. With the new 4-3-3 formation, the team is pressuring well high up the pitch, which creates great counter attacks opportunities.

Portsmouth have lost their first two games; both 1-0 losses to Fulham and Birmingham. They are expected to struggle heavily this season, as they are selling players to service their debt. They have let go of the like of Glen Johnson, Peter Crouch, Sean Davis and Sol Campbell and the squad now struggles to score goals.

Arsenal should fancy their chances against a weak Portsmouth that is low on confidence and lacking a cutting edge. I think they are going to stick with their current 4-3-3 formation and play their regulars, considering they have pretty much wrapped up the Champions League tie.

Formation (4-3-3)

---------------------Almunia-----------------------
Sagna--------Gallas---Vermaelen--------Clichy
----------------Song---Denilson-----------------
---------------------Fabregas---------------------
Bendtner----------------------------------Arshavin
--------------------Van Persie----------------------

I am predicting a 3-0 win for Arsenal.