By Boris Mellor
April 24 2006

On Saturday Wenger managed to fully rest three players, and partially rest two, and that caused uproar. But Villarreal could rest ten players and lose 2-0 without any backlash, because they have no chance of qualifying for Europe.

 If we are doomed to wander the back roads of Eastern Europe next season I just hope we don’t meet the diving cheats again; but that is highly unlikely as they probably won’t even qualify for the Euro Vase.

 

Their fans celebrated their 1-0 defeat in the first leg as if they had won the big cup, perhaps that is a backhanded compliment. Meanwhile pundits on Sky talked more rubbish than even they can usually manage. All the talk was of how Arsenal would dominate and get a hatful of goals. No credit was given to Villarreal for having reached the semi-final, or that they stopped Manchester United from scoring over two games.  No one from Highbury had suggested it would be easy, but oh no the one nil result was due to the fact that Arsenal had underestimated them. Ian Wright was worried that by only winning so narrowly that the Gunners confidence would be shot through. He never explained how confidence was maintained during all those George Graham one nils.

 

Clearly Villarreal are very well organised and tough to score against. They do not score that many but believe they can score 2 against Arsenal and keep a clean sheet. This is why Wenger held Henry back on Saturday, he will need at least one goal in Spain. One goal would mean the Villagers would have to score 3. Wenger will play 4-5-1 and Henry will have plenty to do. Wenger believes that Villarreal will have to attack. I wouldn’t count on it, some teams can’t attack even when they have to.

 

According to the Times Sol will replace Senderos at El Madrigal, it will be a very big game for him as Arsenal need a clean sheet more than ever in this game. Alessio Tacchinard is  suspended for Villarreal, and the centre backs remain injured, but no one should get cocky about that, for this team is well drilled and organised. The pitch is small and they will crowd and block the midfield.

 

The only prediction I will make is that this could be a very tough match, but a draw would do nicely, even though that won't be Arsene’s approach. Mind you 1-0 to the Arsenal would be wonderful for the teams confidence.