That is, however, if Wenger thinks he's recovered from his jet lag after returning from the US where he played in a 3-1 friendly win over Mexico. If the Brazilian does get the nod in central defence then the following question springs to mind.
Who should partner Fabregas in the Derby?
I carried out a poll and 1360 readers voted. Here are the results.
| Player | Votes | % of votes |
|---|---|---|
| Denilson | 113 | 8.3 |
| Diaby | 449 | 33.0 |
| Flamini | 353 | 26.0 |
| Diarra | 437 | 32.1 |
| Song | 8 | 0.6 |
Denilson only got 8.3% of votes, Flamini got a credible 26.0% and eight charitable folk amongst you voted for Song. I have a feeling that Wenger will go with Flamini but the majority fo voters thought otherwise.
It was neck and neck between Diaby and Diarra only for Diaby to win by a mere 12 votes. I'm not sure how many Gunners fans have seen Diarra playing in a defensive midfield role, as he's played predominantly at right back since his move to Chelsea, a position he played in France's loss to Scotland (Great result for the Scots by the way!) Anyway, Diaby gets the nod and maybe the way foward is for Diarra to play at right back if Sagna and Eboue are still unavailable.
There seems to be a good depth of full backs at the club this season but many Gunners fans still feel that Wenger was a few purchases short of a full squad this off-season.
What holes are there in the Gunners squad?
I carried out a poll and readers 1103 voted. Here are the results.
| Position | Votes | % of votes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | 189 | 17.1 |
| Full Back | 25 | 2.3 |
| Centre Back | 263 | 23.8 |
| Defensive Midfielder | 27 | 2.5 |
| Attacking Midfielder | 23 | 2.1 |
| Winger | 460 | 41.7 |
| Striker | 116 | 10.5 |
Central midfield (attacking 2.1% and defensive 2.5%) and full back (2.3%) received very few votes, so it would seem that most readers are satisfied with the depth in these positions.
Ten percent thought that the squad needed additions up front, whilst goalkeeper (17.1%) was felt to be lacking too. I agree that more striking options are required because apart from van Persie, Adebayor and Da Silva the depth is largely unproven (Bendtner and Walcott).
Almost one quarter of votes suggested that Wenger needed to purchase another centre back, but this may have beena knee jerk reaction to Djourou being sent on loan to Birmingham. Perhaps if he had not been loaned out then this result may have been different.
The overwhelming weakness identified in the squad was on the wings (41.7%). Two in five votes were for wingers and if you look at the squad the opinion is probably correct. The established wingers at the club are Rosicky, Hleb (both of which were more central at former clubs) then the depth looks patchy with Eboue (who is being converted from full back), Flamini (who plays anywhere he can get a game), Walcott (who is fast but inexperienced) and Diaby (who has been played on the left wing but is no winger).
So will Wenger get the cheque book out in January? If runours are to be believed (and they never are) Modric will be joining his old team mate Da Silva at the Grove.
Thanks for all your votes.
