By Boris Mellor
April 9 2005

Arsene has Lehmann, Almunia, Cole, Lauren, Eboue, Ljungberg, Reyes, Gilberto, Van Persie, Fabregas, Flamini, Pires, Cygan, Clichy, Toure, Vieira, Henry and Campbell all available for today’s match.

Senderos is injured - thank you international week – as is Bergkamp.However Vieira is tired after France’s rather dreary performance in Israel, and Campbell is yet to play any kind of game.

So if Wenger decides to rest Vieira, it could be Gilberto and Fabregas that cover midfield. Many Arsenal fans believe that was the dream team when these two were playing together at the beginning of the season. But Gilberto could be a little rusty after six months out with injury; and having played only two or three reserve games since.

Wenger could play Fabregas and Flamini, keeping Gilberto and Vieira on the bench.It’s a bit ironic that with the season nearly over we have an embarrassment of riches in midfield. Edu’s fate seems to be less important now. Also, no fault of his, he is becoming the next sick note.

So once again Wenger will not be able to pick his best eleven. It has been a long time since he last could. Some of the team will be tired after the exertions and travel of the international break. With little opportunity for training Arsenals slick passing game may not be at it’s best

The now fit Bentley will not be allowed to play for Norwich under the loan agreement. Why Wenger has changed his mind on this issue has not been revealed. Perhaps he just couldn’t face the crowing from the ever modest Bentley if he managed to score.

Norwich who are firmly at the bottom need a win, a point will do little to relieve their plight. They have not won away from home all season – but we should beware of their ability to break at speed.

POSTSCRIPT

Thanks to Michael Osborne for pointing out the following:

"Just to let you know Wenger did not change his mind. It is now FA policy not to allow players on loan to play against their old club."

Well it was very noble of Arsene to let our players play, but most other clubs did not follow suit.(Ed)