DISCLAIMER: This is all said assuming the game is not in fact snowed out. A distinct possibility.

This is it. This is that mythical game in hand we’ve had since the second game of the season. That game where we simply assume we have 3 points in the bank over our competitors, debit simply to be accrued at a later date.

Ordinarily, Bolton at home might be a three-point banker, but another banana skin peels out in the form of Owen Coyle of Burnley fame. The ex-Clarets manager did a phenomenal job in that part of England and any club would be lifted by his arrival.

Unfortunately, it had to be pikey little Bolton. Seriously, how miffed would you feel if you were a Burnley fan? Under Coyle, the club were going places, they were playing good stuff, they were just flat-out likeable. Including Coyle.

Now, as manager of Bolton (with previous alumni including Gary Megson and Sam Allardyce), he transforms into a hideous, ghoulish spectre that must be destroyed.

That destruction will hopefully come with a lively, if somewhat stretched, Arsenal side, including Arshavin and Denilson returning to the first team.

The defence again picks itself, with Traore continuing down the left in place of Silvestre who deputised in the FA Cup. I’ve been critical of Traore in the past, but he is gradually becoming a good left back who, while not above Clichy or Gibbs in the pecking order, has developed his qualities since that horror-show against Chelsea.

Rosicky has had two substitute appearances since making his return and, fingers crossed, he should be fit for a starting place against Bolton. A front three of the Czech, Arshavin and Eduardo should have enough mobility to keep Bolton’s defence busy.

Denilson will hopefully be fit enough to take Song’s place in defensive midfield, while Diaby and Ramsey can hopefully continue their great form in the centre of the park.

The players will know how crucially important this fixture is (aren’t they all?) and everyone will want to see a performance befitting the occasion. The manager has huge belief in the club’s title chances, and so do the fans. That better be reflected in the Emirates’ volume.

So I’m asking – no, demanding – we see all the players done the lycra, the underwear-on-top-of-pants, the capes, the clubs and the caveman chest hair, and absolutely wallop Bolton to send a real message.

Something like this, perhaps:

Given we’re playing them in two matches’ time, it would be good to demoralise them as much as possible.

Meanwhile, well-timed contract talks with William Gallas should be taking place ASAP, and reading between the lines, Wenger’s coy words suggest he’s going to break the one-year-renewal rule he has for over-30s. Gallas has made an herculean effort to turn around his Arsenal career this season, and his partnership with Vermaelen has been well publicised.

Wenger was effusive in his praise for the ex-captain:

“For a striker over 32 you can give only a year, but for a defender, we’ll see. I don’t know. William has been amazing the whole season. I have big respect for what he has done. I will meet his agents this month.”

Arsenal must secure him for as long as they can, perhaps to his retirement, so as to impart his incredible street-wise knowledge to the likes of Djourou, Bartley and Nordtveit.

In other news, test results on Nicklas Bendtner’s injuries could determine our January transfer activity, while Carlton Cole pops up as a possible transfer target once more.

Right, I’m off to work, then back home to watch our lycra-hugging caveman-chesthair-sporting gladiators put Bolton to the triceratops horn.

COME ON ARSENAL.

Filed under: Arsenal, Blogging