Wenger optimistic about Chamakh-Van Persie partnership

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
30 Nov	7:45 PM	LC	Wigan Athletic (H)	2	0	Win

Arsène Wenger is not worried about playing Robin van Persie and Marouane Chamakh together for Arsenal affecting his tactics.

The Gunners boss has played with one upfront for most of this season, until switching to a 4-4-2 formation in the Carling Cup quarter-final tie against Wigan.

However, the Frenchman believes his formation is flexible, and can accommodate both of his main strikers, as Dutchman van Persie finally looks close to returning to full fitness.

Wenger explained: "We can play Chamakh and van Persie together. We can play Chamakh up front and van Persie behind.

"What is interesting is that we can play all kinds of formations with the two.

"I am pleased because van Persie is getting stronger every day. He had 70 minutes the other night [against Wigan] and I am confident that if we can get him injury-free in the next three weeks he will be back to his best level."

Nicklas Bendtner threw his name back into the hat with a goal in midweek, and Wenger believes that both the Dane and the Dutchman played well on Tuesday, and that the competition will do the team good.

He added: "He has shown class. He still needs games, he was out for a long time but it's already positive that he could play 70 minutes tonight. Let's hope he has no reaction then he will become stronger and stronger.

"Up front there is a lot of competition so everyone needs a lot more reassurance."

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