The above headline goes right against this season’s grain of taking a game at a time, respecting thy opponent, not taking anything for granted. But for once, I’m throwing that all out the window today.

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium for the first of two home games in succession: first, Standard Liege in the Champions League where a point will see us guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds; the second against Chelsea on Sunday.

After the dissapointments against Sunderland, Arsenal simply have to go into this game and murder Standard Liege. The manager has ripped into them in his own softly-softly way, the pundits have their knives out after getting carried away with our good run and hopefully some of the players are feeling a little rank after the Stadiun of Light.

We need players to hit the ground running, to show the urgency we so patently lacked on Saturday, to show an eye for goal and to scare the living nightlights out of Liege. We need our touch back, we need the movement to return, we need that finishing touch rediscovered.

Ironically, I feel that the three players who played so turgidly against Sunderland will still get a start tonight, but in a shuffled version of Saturday’s line-up. Arshavin should start in place of Ramsey and take his place on the left, while Nasri shuttles back into the Welshman’s position in centre.

We should see the continuation of the Ebouenisation of Europe as well, as Arsenal go for Liege’s throats and, conveniently, give Sagna a rest. There’s been talk on the proverbial forum that Gallas should recuperate too, but I stand by the fact that good partnerships get better with age.

The time to rotate (without thought to injuries) is December. In the lead-up to the huge game that is Chelsea, you stick with your best. You don’t throw in Senderos for any arbitrary reason unless it’s dictated to you.

On the bench we could see the return of Denilson to affairs, while Theo Walcott and Vela should continue their slowly-but-surely integration into the squad.

This really must, should, has to be a win. The fans must be up for this a little more than you usually would be for this standard of opposition. It’s a warm-up for the Chelsea game as much as for the fans as it is for the players.

Intent, hunger, urgency and passion. If all are on display, I’ll be a happy man.

Time to put the questions to bed, and show Europe once more what we’re about. Then and only then, we look to the small matter of Chelsea.

Confident going into the match? Thoughts on the projected team? Let everyone know in the comments.

Filed under: Arsenal, Champions League