All set for the big KO?

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
14 Aug	3:00 PM	P	Liverpool (A)	1	1	Draw

Frankly, the answer to that would have to be no, especially if you are looking from the outside. Which we are, in essence. And so, we must plainly believe that Arsène Wenger and the lads are more than ready for a more than testing opener at Anfield in what is set to become potentially the most exciting title race in the modern era of the Premier League.

Then again, just how many times have we said that over the last few years, with Chelsea and Manchester United (for Chelsea read Arsenal formerly) ending up contesting the big prize, with the others simply playing the role of envious onlookers.

A role we have come to get accustomed to since that benchmark "invincibles" campaign, albeit with the smatterings of what resembled a title tilt on the odd occasion, most recently during the season just gone.

The season that presently forms the basis for which Le Boss has reiterated that now is our time, and that we are ready to climb the extra two steps required to claim the championship once again. All well and good, but how many times have we heard that since 2004, Arsène? And do you concur that, two steps they may be, but two almighty ones- particularly in the face of Liverpool's desired renaissance (one which we will have to crush momentarily on Sunday), Tottenham's emergence on the scene, and Manchester City's untold riches and investment, alongside the aforementioned existing duopoly?

Let us stick to the positives for now, though, safe in the knowledge that the manager is close to committing long-term one final time, with a burning desire for success and vindication. It is that desire (and obstinacy) that is driving Wenger forward, and you would have to think that for all his hard work into shaping Arsenal FC into who we are, he, and thus we, will be suitably rewarded, and before long.

Then we have what has been a largely satisfactory pre-season (yes, that includes our annual "trophy" that is the Emirates Cup), with the emergence of new talent ready to contribute alongside Jack Wilshere, who I am expecting big things from, by the way.

Speaking of new kids on the block, and one guy who has certainly had enough of the kids tag is Samir Nasri (we've had enough of it too, Samir, believe me). The 23 year-old has been in sparkling form over the summer, eager to bounce back following his World Cup heartache (though, in retrospect, he is probably thanking his lucky stars that he never made it to South Africa with that circus that was the French squad). Big things are expected of him, alongside another World Cup reject in Theo Walcott, and resident whiner Andrey Arshavin, who will be chuffed to pieces to know that we start off at his favourite ground on Sunday.

And of course you have our two new recruits. If ever there is a time to hark on about quality over quantity, then it is now, as Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny both look the real deal and ready to play a vital role in our quest for glory. We have been craving a striker to give us something extra, and the big Moroccan certainly seems ready to step into the role, whilst Koscielny is a rare breed at the Club at present and has looked capable alongside the Verminator.

All in all, some good spiel about our chances this season, and if you stopped here, you would think that we are indeed all set for 2010-2011.

But no.

I say Laurent Koscielny is a rare breed, and with that I just cannot hide my worry at our lack of adequate defensive cover, and my even deeper worry that Wenger is set to appoint Johan Djourou and young Havard Nordtveit to the role. As promising as they may be, that is not enough, and we have more than enough money to acquire the required back-up, that we can be sure of, having spent a meagre £8 million in summer transfers.

Finally, and the goalkeeping sitcom seems set to rumble on. 1) Mark Schwarzer has done to Fulham exactly what Cesc Fàbregas couldn't do to us (thankfully), and it has been confirmed that the ungrateful sod has indeed handed in a transfer request at. And with that, you can absolutely guarantee that he is set to arrive shortly. However, as solid and reliable as he is and will be, I'm not entirely sure that Schwarzer is the sort of name that I would be up all night waiting for on transfer deadline day, which is the direction we seem to be heading for. Unless Arsène Wenger and Schwarzer's crew are dragging the deal so that we can forget the Aussie's World Cup horror show. Well, we haven't, so get a move on please, lads.

2) Which means that one of the two clowns is set to start at Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The (un)popular bet seems to be Lukasz Fabianski, and either way, we have our work cut out for that one.

Some concerns still, as we can see, and question marks over whether (or if) they will be solved. Question marks that leave a prediction for our Premier League standing very much an enigma at this stage. And, as a hardcore optimist and out of desperation for our Club's lack of recent glory, I would just love to confidently brush aside the haters and predict a 1st for this coming season.

But that would sort of present the notion of sticking one's neck out, and so I will not predict a thing, not until August 31st. That alone, I think, says a lot at this stage.

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