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Arsenal - Wenger takes a fresh view
Written by Sawyer | 23rd February 2008 | 0 Comment(s)
Arsene Wenger along with many other managers has often mentioned the need to rest players now and again, but on Saturday he will be faced with a situation where his opponents have had a two week break and his young Gunners have faced two gruelling cup ties.
Arsenal's squad must once again cope with several absentees as Kolo Toure, Tomas Rosicky, Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie are among those sidelined and Emmanuel Eboue is suspended.
However, rather than complain Wenger sees a different side to a situation that could benefit his title chasers.
"We can cope with the number of games we have played and sometimes it is a disadvantage for the team who doesn't play." Wenger said.
He continued, "We have one advantage because we have the rhythm of competition; the disadvantage for us is that we have the fatigue factor. Birmingham have the advantage of freshness because they have recovered completely but they have not got the rhythm of competition."
"So let's just take it as it is. I know my players are focused, they want to do well and that is the best way to prepare."
It was only last month when Wenger rested many of his players for cup ties with Burnley and Tottenham only to find his players were so relaxed for the visit of Birmingham they were practically horizontal!!
Nevertheless 3 more points from the Saturday early kick-off fixture and the pressure will firmly be on Manchester United when they travel to Newcastle later in the day.
With Chelsea not playing due to their Wembley date with Tottenham, Arsenal has the chance to take advantage of their Carling Cup exit and open up a double figure lead over their London rivals, and Chelsea's game in hand is, strangely enough, away at Tottenham and will certainly not be easy.
It may suit Wenger to hope that the cohesion gained from playing during the week will serve him well, but secretly he may be quite pleased to be rid of the domestic cup competitions as he pointed out only last week in saying, "We just have balanced fixtures now."
Assuming Chelsea and Man United both reach the FA Cup Semi-Finals then both clubs will have to fit in two cancelled fixtures during a demanding closing schedule, and of course if Arsenal can win their games then the lead could prove too much for the chasing clubs.
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