Rebuilding at Villa Park; Lehmann expected to stay

Ok, let's get down to business!

After a run of what Wenger called ''horrendous'' results, it's time for the team to pick themselves up and aim for second place in the Premiership. Without any other 'distractions' on our calendar, there's absolutely no point in aiming for anything less.

Everybody from the tabloid hack to the prison-bound blogger are talking about how Wenger has no other option but to focus on next season. Well, let it begin tonight; let's get as high up the table as possible so we can avoid those energy sapping and pre-season destroying Champion's League qualification games next season.

The team news for tonight does not make nice reading; Over to Arsene: “Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy are all suspended. Henry and Van Persie are injured." For some reason, he doesn't mention Hleb; who is out with a knee injury. I reckon he's been locked in a bin as punishment for his recent poor performances. Note how Arseblogger uses the word 'apparently'.

Tonight, however, does see the return of Flamini, Hoyte and Rosicky- but the Czech is only likely to make the bench.

Mr Wenger will select his team from this group of gentlemen:
Lehmann, Hoyte, Gilberto, Djourou, Gallas, Ljungberg, Fabregas, Denilson, Flamini, Baptista, Aliadiere, Almunia, Diaby, Senderos, Walcott, Traore, Connolly, Randall

I think the team will look something like this:
GK Lehmann
RB Hoyte
CD Djourou
CD Senderos
LB Gallas
RM Ljungberg
CM Fabregas
CM Gilberto
LM Walcott
CF Baptista
CF Aliadiere

Subs: Almunia; Connolly; Flamini; Denilson; Diaby

Christ, we're really low on attacking options. I can only presume that Walcott is the back-up striker. Wenger might start him on the bench just in case he needs an impact sub later on. It really is hard to believe that we have so many strikers on our books - if you include Bendtner and Lupoli.

I have €10 at 5-1 on Alidiere to score 5 goals in all competitions but the Carling Cup -(It was a good bet when he looked like he was on his way to 'Boro.) Please let him begin with two goals tonight!!!!

In other news, Wenger was talking about Lehmann's future: “Yes, I expect him to be here,” said Wenger. “But we have not gone into deeper discussions yet.”

The general consensus is that the German keeper is on his way. I've always had a suspicion that he will STILL be at the club next season. What sways it for me is that next season is a European Championship season: I think you'll see Jens at his best as he will be aiming to go out of international football on a high, especially now that his finally made the keeper's position his own. Sing with me: 'One more year, one more year, one more...'

In other blogs: Arseblogger has a interesting take on the feud between Wenger and Domenech over Henry; and Gunnerblog has a piece on how Wenger wants to buy 'super, super-class players' this summer. Oh, and congratulations to Arseblogger on winning the 'Bloggie' for best 2007 Sports Blog.

Right, that's enough ass-kissing. See you all tomorrow.