Arsenal FC

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• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Preview: Arsenal v Blackpool

19 Aug 2010 - 13:32:12

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Premier League giants Arsenal welcome newly-promoted Blackpool to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

On paper, this is a game the Gunners should win with some ease, but the Seasiders will still be on cloud nine following their stunning 4-0 opening-day victory over neighbours Wigan Athletic last weekend.

A Gary Taylor-Fletcher strike, a Marlon Harewood brace and a cross-cum-shot from Alex John-Baptiste handed them a fantastic start to life in the top-flight.

Craig Cathcart and Elliot Grandin made good impressions on their debuts for the Tangerines and manager Ian Holloway will have been delighted with what he witnessed at the DW Stadium.

Although Arsene Wenger's classy outfit should prove to be a completely different proposition, they will certainly go into this one full of life.

Arsenal grabbed a last-gasp draw at Liverpool thanks to an own goal from goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The unfortunate Reds shot-stopper dropped the ball over his line in the dying moments at Anfield and the Londoners will have renewed optimism going into this one.

With talent in the form of Bacary Sagna, Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri and Andrey Arshavin, Arsenal's attacking members may well be licking their lips in anticipation of a goalfest.

New striker Marouane Chamakh made an instant impact in Arsenal colours while Laurent Koscielny figured prominently at the heart of the defence alongside Thomas Vermaelen before he was harshly dismissed at the end of the game on Merseyside for two bookings.

He will miss the game through suspension, while there are injury doubts over Denilson (abdominal), Alex Song (calf) and Johan Djourou (hamstring).

Broken leg victim Aaron Ramsey and Nicklas Bendtner (groin) are still some way from a return while Netherlands striker Robin van Persie could start after coming off the bench last Sunday.

Blackpool's Billy Clarke will miss much of the season with a cruciate ligament injury and Keith Southern (knee) is not expected to make a return until next month.

The two sides have not met in the league since the 1970-71 season, but in 1976-77 the Gunners won a League Cup after two replays.

The most recent meeting of the two clubs came in the third round of the FA Cup in 1999-2000, when Arsenal won 3-1 at Highbury thanks to goals from Gilles Grimandi, Tony Adams and Marc Overmars.