Arsenal v Blackburn preview

02 October 2009 11:09
Arsenal supporters have the chance to salute record-breaking manager Arsene Wenger when Blackburn visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. Wenger celebrated becoming the Gunners' longest-serving manager on Thursday as he surpassed the 13-year reign of George Allison set over 60 years ago. Sam Allardyce is likely to relish the role of North London party-pooper as Rovers go in search of just their third Premier League victory of the new season. Arsenal enjoyed their domestic encounters with the Lancashire side last season, romping to a 4-0 success at Ewood Park during Paul Ince's brief tenure before repeating the scoreline on home turf in March. In fact, the Gunners' good form against the North West outfit stretches back over recent seasons, with 19 goals scored in their last six league meetings, while Blackburn have lost on their last six visits to North London and failed to find the net in five of them. Team news Wenger can welcome back forward duo Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner to his squad for Sunday's encounter, but he will be missing fellow striker Eduardo. The Croatia international came off the bench in the midweek UEFA Champions League victory against Olympiakos only to aggravate a thigh muscle injury which has been troubling him this season. Walcott is available for the first time this term after finally overcoming a back problem and Bendtner is back in the squad after missing the midweek game following his car crash last Sunday. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is getting closer to a return following the chest infection which has kept him out since the middle of September, but he is unlikely to tackle Rovers, leaving Vito Mannone to continue as the last line of defence. Rovers boss Allardyce will be forced to make at least one change to his side from the victory against Aston Villa last time out. Midfielder Vince Grella saw red against the Midlands side after receiving two yellow cards and must serve a one-match ban. Keith Andrews will be hoping to be given the chance to step into the starting XI after being brought on soon after Grella's exit at Ewood Park. Club captain Ryan Nelsen suffered a heavy fall against Villa and has a back problem while his defensive partner Chris Samba had to come off injured in the same game, with the duo facing late fitness tests. There is more positive news about Gael Givet, who has returned training this week after his knee injury, and Steven Reid, who should be available despite an Achilles problem. Possible starting XIsArsenal: Mannone, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Bendtner, Fabregas, Diaby, Arshavin, Van Persie. Blackburn: Robinson, Jacobsen, Samba, Nelsen, Chimbonda, N'Zonzi, Andrews, Diouf, Dunn, Pedersen, Di Santo.

Source: SKY_Sports