NLD - No Let Down

Our last two fixtures have been duds. Lacklustre performances in which we got exactly what we deserved. Fuck all. Dry ’em, move on and put it down to a small blip in what has been an otherwise very enjoyable season.

However any repeat of those types of performances against the old enemy will be completely unacceptable.

With so much riding on this game you would imagine that it wouldn’t be possible for any player not to be fired up for it big time. With Arsenal still in the race for the title and us needing to hold onto City’s money lined coat-tails only serves to add extra weight to the game. That’s even before uttering the name of Judas in disgust. So in short, this is it. No excuses, we have to turn up.

We have it all to do though. Arsenal will want a quick response to the footballing lesson they received at the hands of Barca. They have had a whole week to rest, recover and prepare. They will also be buoyed by United’s weekend result and the news of Van Persie’s possible return. We, on the other hand, have played a debilitating, soul destroying two hours of football at the weekend with a half fit team, have lost our midfield enforcer to suspension and lost ground, and goal difference, to City in the league. Footballing God’s most certainly be damned.

Both teams are suffering with injuries. I’m finding it’s nigh on impossible to judge what potential line ups and tactics Harry’s got in mind. I could go on all day and speculate as to what the master plan could be however I’ll leave that in the hands of the manager. It will only end up depressing me with the lack of options we currently have at our disposal. Kaboul in centre midfield anyone? *shudder*

Still, nothing fires up the spirits like an evening fixture against our friends from Woolwich.

To give credit where it’s due, Arsenal have had a very good season. After being written off numerous times they have managed to continue a challenge for the title. It goes without saying I despise the club however my hatred for their players has mellowed a little. Before the names of Keown, Viera, Pires, Lehmann, Ljungburg, Henry, Wiltord etc would have me foaming at the mouth but the likes of Nasri, Sagna, Diaby or Vermaelen don’t. Even Bendtner is nothing if not entertainingly delusional.

Regardless one name on the team sheet will always make one feel giddy with anger is the Judas one. Enough is going to be made about his return and I look forward to the faithful making his sorry life miserable for ninety minutes. I try to be as fair and relatively balanced when it comes to football however I cannot see beyond Solzeer for the Judas scumbag he is.

Whoever Harry picks they need to be on it. To get anything from this we need every man in lilywhite to deliver what they failed to in our last two games. They need to pay the fans back and also do themselves justice. I have faith in the team however predictions are out for this one. Derbies are reserved for the special ‘anything could happen’ category. It’s mid-week, under the lights, vociferous atmosphere in season defining games for both clubs. It should be special.

Bring on the Scum.