Mérida To Make Champions League Bow Against Kyiv
It’s been a season which has seen many of Arsenal’s promising Reserves make the step up to first team duty, and following hot on the heels of Gavin Hoyte’s first start in the Premiership on Saturday, Fran Mérida is penciled in to make his Champions League bow against FC Dynamo Kyiv tomorrow night.
The 18-year-old has two first team appearances under his belt so far this campaign, with both coming from the left of midfield during Carling Cup wins over Sheffield United and Wigan. It’s on the flank where he is expected to start the most prestigious game of his career so far tomorrow, as injuries tear through Arsène Wenger’s first team.
Jay Simpson is also in the squad, along with the aforementioned Gavin Hoyte. The latter could keep his place at right back following a mixed display at the City Of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, whilst Simpson will be a substitute.
Mérida is in the first months of brand new four year contract – a deal which upon inking – Wenger described the play-maker as “absolutely amazing”. The French boss also praised his eye for a pass after the game with Wigan, further showing how highly he rates the former Barcelona trainee.
Young Guns offers best wishes to Fran and all of the boys tomorrow.
Article By – J.Sanderson
Nice info! Will he start on the flank? You know the starting XI?
BooMeR said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Why not Wilshere or Ramsey? Are you sure about it?
Progman07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:39 pm
merida will play from the start? what about nasri?
g0on3r said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Yes, probably with denilson on the other wing and Cesc Song in the middle.
Supergunner07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:42 pm
It’s expected, it’s not confirmed yet. I will update it if i get it confirmed.
Nasri is out injured, along with Diaby, Rosicky and Eboue.
J.Sanderson said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Thanks for the information. Appreciated very much. Could you make a guess why is it Merida of all youngsters? Surely Ramsey, Wilshere and Vela were closer to the first team.
Progman07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:51 pm
thanks JS. GR8 work as always mate. I’m so excited for fran! i rate him very highly and i think he is quality. So JS do u believe he will start or will be on the bench?
CMON FRAN!!!
jh92 said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:52 pm
J do u think Wilshire will get a start?
biscuit said this on November 24, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Well you were right about Gavin Hoyte starting on Saturday. I hope you are right about this one. It would be very exciting to see how Fran teams up with Cesc and he has got an eye for a pass. I would also love to see Vela let loose from the start too.
Passenal said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Another site is reporting Eboue has been passed fit,if true this means Merida will be benched
(
Arse&Nose said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:03 pm
what happened to the .org j? i’m just getting random $$$ adverts, no arsenal yuff news. not paying ye bills?
Samuel said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:12 pm
great info man, it I will be glad to see the young boys play in tomorrow match. At least a draw will most definitely see us through and we can afford to gamble. It will be nice to see what the future has in it for us by playing some of this boys.
http://soccerfanbase.com
soccer fan base said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:22 pm
id love to see a midfield of
wilshire cesc ramsey merida
song and denilson really need to benched on the past two performences
jc85 said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:24 pm
how come randall hasnt been on the bench or anything recently? is he injured?
do you think simpson could be a shout for a go on the wing at any stage as he proved successful there for milwall?
Lightning Kev said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Would love for Merida to start on the left with Wilshere on the right.
Basically…the Carling Cup midfield with Cesc instead of Randall.
Jay said this on November 24, 2008 at 4:53 pm
how come randall hasnt been on the bench or anything recently? is he injured?
———————————————————–
I think he is, i am totally sure, he done his thigh before the Wigan so may be he was only patched up for that game and done it again since that match. Only a week left before CC QF hopefully he will be ready by then.
Supergunner07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:10 pm
congrats to cesc fabregas on being named arsenal skipper. hopefully, it will bring about some good fortune and smiles to an otherwise gloomy looking november. good luck to him and the lads as well as merida for tomorrow. good work with the reports J.
Reza said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:16 pm
ive been really impressed with wilshere obviously, but merida has been around ages and is a similar level to wishere even if they have different styles
glad to see him finally get a proper chance
davi said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Id have Merida and Ramsey on the flanks with Denilson and Cesc in the middle, Song and Gallas at the back and Djourou and Clichy full backs, further to that it is time to drop Almunia and Bendtner and replace them with Fabianski and Vela, Saturday and the week before it was an embarrassment for the club and it is time to discard the players that really aren’t capable of turning in 1/2 good games a year? Anyone agree?
Andrew said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I’m sure Ramsey and Wilshere would be ahead of Merida. But it certainly is a possibility. Ramsey is more of a CM but he was superb vs Fener on the right.
Hope Merida gets minutes tomorrow but i dont see him starting.
Rambo-Cesc-Denilson-Wilshere
Thats what the midfield should be.
Denilson deserves to be dropped, he was shite on Saturday.
Matt said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Wilshere – The Nils – Cesc – Rambo
Equals..
Beautiful football.
Cesc as the captain and “old head”, leading his young, brave and technical soldiers into the battle of beauty!
PeteE said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Sorry to be off topic (it doesn’t seem to bother anyone else though) but when is the big class against the Villa in the Youth Cup?
Lennon S of E said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:53 pm
almunia
djourou gallas silvestre clichy
ramsey denilson fabregas merida
adebayor v.p (if fit) if not v.p and vela
C.Harding said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I would be happy for Merida if he starts but if he does start we may have a formation change in the form of
JD___Gallas__Sly___Clichy
____Rams__Cesc___Merida
RVP___________________Vela
_________-Nik
rockypires said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Would be cool to see fran play. Surely vela has to play instead of bendtner.
Randall86 said this on November 24, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Would be strange though because Lansbury was picked ahead of him the weekend as was Rambo and Wilshire
rockypires said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm
__________Almunia
Djourou_Gallas_Silvestre_Clichy
________Song___Fabregas
Van Persie___Cesc_____Carlos’Vee
__________Bendtner
that will be our starting line up pretty sure of it Vela has more experience of playing on the wing than either Fran or Wilshere,i wouldnt mind having Ramsey starting but having them on the bench is fine by me
Casicky said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm
cheers supergunner07.
i agreee needs a speedy recovery to get back with a shout for CC otherwise lansbury may sneak in!
Lightning Kev said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:28 pm
casicky there is only one cesc… so do u mean to put denilson in place of ‘fabregas’??
tee said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:58 pm
I think a 4-4-2 looks unlikely unless we put one of our younger players in such as Merida or Wilshere as who will play on the wings apart from Ramsey? Denilson is a possibility.
The Brain said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:59 pm
@ Lightning Kev,If he doesnt make it, it is more likely to be Coquelin that takes his place. Randall is no longer considered as an AM but as a DM so his competiton are Denilson & Song.
Supergunner07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Come on you Gunners, we can still win da league! Braaap braaap!
The Chosen One said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Almunia
Djourou – Gallas – Silvestre – Clichy
Ramsey – Denilson – Song – Fabregas(c) – Van persie
Bendtner
thats the team i reckon will play even tho i wud love to see vela ahead of bendtner
superfab said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Braaap braaap nothing.
Nacer Barazite said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Lennon S of E
Arsenal play Aston Villa at Villa Park in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on the 10th of December i hope that helps you out mate.
kent paul said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:31 pm
With Gavin Hoyte , Jay Simpson , Nacer Barazite , Contracts Expiring this Summer any news , on new deals
Emirates_General said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:32 pm
oh dear….why are we playing bendtner….he doesnt do enough for us…..
sell him Eboue and RVP and Gallas in January………….bring in a CB, DM(Cana) and a Striker(Podolski-he has put in a transfer request)
SNED777 said this on November 24, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Just so you know. If Wilshere plays tomorrow, he will be the youngest ever player to play in the CL. That would be pretty impressing considering there are only about 8 months since he first played reserves football.
I would love to see Denilson dropped and a hungry, even younger guy play. Ramsey surely deserves a chance in the starting line-up. Rambo has simply been fantastic in most of his outings and is a much better ball winner than Denilson. I like the Brazilian but he should only be a replacement for the Captain, never play with him in 4-4-2.
I hope to see a team something like this:
————–Almunia————-
Djourou–Gallas–Silvestre–Clichy
——-Cesc–Ramsey–Merida——-
——–RvP—-Nick—-Vela——-
Subs: Fabianski, Hoyte, Gibbs, Denilson, Song, Wilshere, Simpson
Stone said this on November 24, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Almunia
Djourou Silvestre Gallas Clichy
Ramsey Song
Wilshere Fabregas Merida
v.Persie
Gooner_14 said this on November 24, 2008 at 8:10 pm
he not in squad
Richie said this on November 24, 2008 at 9:06 pm
i would love to see rambo and cesc(our new captain congrats cesc)
in the middle of the park with rambo holding and frabregas attacking trust me there isnt a more disciplined player than rambo in our reserve team
and IMO rambo is better than denilson diaby and song.
nazir said this on November 24, 2008 at 9:08 pm
whos not in squad?
google said this on November 24, 2008 at 9:12 pm
merida not in squad as article suggests,source is BBC.
Richie said this on November 24, 2008 at 9:22 pm
arsenal.com is saying he is though..
And Nordtveit made his u-21 debut this weekend. Suprised that you haven’t mentioned it yet JS.
BooMeR said this on November 24, 2008 at 9:32 pm
arsenal.com says merida probable in squad,Lansbury,Gibbs,wilshere and Simpson in squad.merida not included
Richie said this on November 24, 2008 at 10:27 pm
BBC squad list is a guess because Arsenal dont reveal squad list for matches in the PL, CL & FA cup until teamnews are in on the day of the match. Fact
Supergunner07 said this on November 24, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Glad to see a mixture of the youngsters getting a chance, but would like to see Fran, Jack Wilshire and Aaron Ramsey being given chances in the PL games. How about playing Gibbs back in his original left wing position?
jonny b said this on November 24, 2008 at 10:59 pm
supergunner that isn’t fact, the squad lists for all matches are invariably available a day or two before the match on the official website. I’d say about half the time it’s released, half it isn’t. The BBC squad lists are a load of bollocks though, even when the actual squad is announced on the official website the BBC don’t change their list which is essentially a guess. Merida won’t start though, It’ll be Cesc, Denilson, and Ramsey or Song, with Van Persie and Vela on the flanks, Bendtner up top
A said this on November 25, 2008 at 2:10 am
Line-up:
Almunia
Djourouroru Gallas Silvestre Clichy
Rambo Cesc(c) Denilson Wilshere
Rvp Bendtner
God I hope he doesnt start Song with Cesc in the middle and Denilson on one of the flanks. Song has disappointed me this season. He looks uninterested and slow.
Matt said this on November 25, 2008 at 4:01 am
his a fag
daniel said this on November 25, 2008 at 4:56 am
[...] As for us, William Gallas will play despite having the captaincy taken away from him and it will definitely be an important test for the Frenchman. Elsewhere, Samir Nasri and Abou Diaby will not play after getting injured in training on Monday so expect some of the young ones to be called into action. Also injured are Kolo Toure, Theo Walcott, Emmanuel Eboue, Emmanuel Adebayor, Bacary Sagna and Eduardo. Our team looks more like a hospital than a football team at the moment, but again, I believe we have the substitutes to do well. Needless to say, I hope to see Ramsey and Vela from the first minute as rumours say that Fran Merida will start. [...]
Arsenal vs Dinamo Kiev: Match preview - The first of Cesc | The Gunning Hawk: A blog about Arsenal F.C. said this on November 25, 2008 at 8:06 am
A said this on November 25, 2008 at 2:10 am
—————————————————————–
Apart from Carling Cup when was the last time Arsenal listed their 18 man squad on our website for PL, CL and FA Cup. NEVER, so get your info right, if Merida doesnt start we will be very narrow again and we will not cross the ball.
SUPERGUNNER07 said this on November 25, 2008 at 8:33 am
Lets get the win first and foremost guys.I dont care who he picks , but what is important is the three point , self -confidence, qualification into the next round and a positive begining to the Cesc Fabregas Era. Thats all i want ,a win
Ali said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:21 am
It is very unlikely that Merida will be in the matchday squad let alone the team that takes the field tonight.
gooner said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:42 am
[...] from Champions League debutant Fran Merida, much attention will be focused on his compatriot and new captain Francesc Fabregas. Cesc missed [...]
Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Dynamo Kiev | Oh To Be A Gooner said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:49 am
Gooner:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-and-nasri-set-to-miss-dynamo-kyiv-clash
‘Jay Simpson and Fran Merida are likely to be added to the squad’
Matt said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:53 am
Do you really think Hoyte did OK.
I only saw the game on Sky, so 60 mins of the game, and he gave the ball away a lot.
he has a lot to learn – improve on.
Mark C said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:54 am
Mark C, the alarming area for me was his 1st touch but as far as his composure on the ball that will improve the more he practices with the 1st team and plays particularly at RB but his defending and 1st touch needs attention urgently because you must to control the ball first time when pressured or not presurred to play for Arsenal.
SUPERGUNNER07 said this on November 25, 2008 at 10:19 am
if someone knows the guy who wants to swap Van Persie for Podolski, give him a slap from the rest of us.
Fab said this on November 25, 2008 at 10:28 am
Merida likely to be drafted into squad as injury replacement (source = Arsenal.com) -> Merida starting
This logical leap was brought to you by the same people who stated no2 Goalkepper Fabianski would be given the no1 squad number, whilst actual no1 Almunia would keep his old number because Clichy had decided to keep his before.
@ Fab, luckily I don’t but I would if I could.
Pete said this on November 25, 2008 at 11:49 am
As I’ve said before, if you have actual inside information why are you telling us, except to generate money for yourself?
There’s a tactical reason that lineups are kept secret until the very last moment and if your inside information becomes reliable then you undermine that whole tactic.
Which means that by announcing your inside information, you are, in fact undermining the tactics of Arsene Wenger, so that you can generate a few dollars worth of clicks on your web site.
Moreover, if there’s a leak at the club this indicates a huge problem for Wenger: the sanctity of the clubhouse has already been ruptured by Gallas, to have more “leakers” at this moment indicates a much larger problem, doesn’t it? Doesn’t it really mean that Wenger has lost control of the club?
So, while some of you revel in a meaningless (unless you play fantasy sports or some nonsense) story about the leaked inclusion of Fran Merida in an important Champions League match I see a much, much less seemly side to all this. Something that Wenger needs to be made aware of: there’s a rat in the dressing room.
Timothy said this on November 25, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Timothy… It isn’t like this was such a huge secret. Also, do you really believe the kyiv manager visits the site to find out the Arsenal starting lineup?
DD
Your a joke.
Progman07 said this on November 25, 2008 at 1:34 pm
The starting lineups are a closely guarded secret, yes.
If there is someone in the dressing room giving away any secret, isn’t that what we all just jumped on William Gallas about?
As for the manager of Kiev looking at this site, he doesn’t have to go here, young guns’ articles are getting picked up very widely and are forming the basis for real news stories. How do you think I found this story?
But don’t bother addressing my arguments — oh and it’s “you’re” as is “you are” not “your.”
Timothy said this on November 25, 2008 at 1:47 pm
jack wilshere should be put to first team.
he should partner fabregas and play vela as striker
wenzhi said this on November 25, 2008 at 2:13 pm
[...] win, even though we are missing 9 first teamers. Ramsey is pretty certain of a start i think, with Fran Merida tipped to [...]
Another day, another game, win or lose? « The Goon said this on November 25, 2008 at 2:36 pm
——————— -Fabianski
Hoyte———-Djourou———Gallas———-Clichy
Wilshere——-Ramsey———–Fabregas (C)—-Merida
—————-van Persie—–Vela
Time for creativity, and no more dumping average players (Denilson, Song) in the team in place of the ACTUAL talented youngsters just because they’re more ‘experienced’. It’s painful watching those two.
Nacer Barazite said this on November 25, 2008 at 2:53 pm
well done JS keep bringing us more team scoops.
jh92 said this on November 25, 2008 at 3:15 pm
“As I’ve said before, if you have actual inside information why are you telling us, except to generate money for yourself?
There’s a tactical reason that lineups are kept secret until the very last moment and if your inside information becomes reliable then you undermine that whole tactic.
Which means that by announcing your inside information, you are, in fact undermining the tactics of Arsene Wenger, so that you can generate a few dollars worth of clicks on your web site.
Moreover, if there’s a leak at the club this indicates a huge problem for Wenger: the sanctity of the clubhouse has already been ruptured by Gallas, to have more “leakers” at this moment indicates a much larger problem, doesn’t it? Doesn’t it really mean that Wenger has lost control of the club?”
I think Timothy has a problem with Young Guns. Firstly, you don’t even know the purpose of having Young Guns and who the owner is. You just come here and say what you think of Young Guns. Secondly, I don’t think the word “leak” is the appropriate word. You mention about “secrecy” regarding tactics and relate it to the Gallas saga. Well, usually the name list would be out one or 2 days before the game. Wenger always does that so it is a norm, not a “leak” for goodness sake. A list of players who are going to play isn’t what Arsenal don’t do. And naming the players in the list isn’t going to affect the tactics. Tactics are much more than the name of players involved, dude. I doubt you’ve any knowledge on football tactics. Yes, you can argue that by naming players, the opposition will know how to play against us but like I’ve said, Arsene releases a name list of players before games. So it’s normal. Wake up, Timothy.
kevlinefm said this on November 25, 2008 at 3:17 pm
kev you clown ,if j says arsenal are playing hoyte whats that to do with tactics..well man citey train and prepair for attacking the weak link tactics
egi said this on November 25, 2008 at 4:45 pm
and j is befriending arsenal kids and pumping them information
egi said this on November 25, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Arsene Wenger’s policy has always been to keep lineups secret until they absolutely must be posted which is morning of the match. If you don’t know this then I doubt you’ve been following the club for as long as I have.
Secondly, I know enough about this blog to know that they don’t seem to have Arsenal’s best interest at heart if they are insinuating themselves with the team so that they can get gossip and lineups in order to turn a few clicks into money.
It’s very unseemly.
Timothy said this on November 25, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Timothy…calm the fvck down.
This is a blog with JSanderson’s predicted lineup. Heck…I even thought Hoyte would start at right back vs. Man City given the injuries before he even posted his article.
Stop hating on a popular blog. We all want to know the sort of lineup Wenger will play…it’s the fun of being a supporter. As a supporter…you try to predict because you think you can manage Arsenal too (everyone is like that and has an opinion regarding lineups).
Jay said this on November 25, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Merida isn’t even starting, so calm down.
Progman07 said this on November 25, 2008 at 6:52 pm
FUCK OFF DENILSON.
Nacer Barazite said this on November 25, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Fuck off Song you mean. Can’t believe that pansie gets another chance to start.
Jay said this on November 25, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Fuck off both of them. Dead wood personified. Embarrassing.
Nacer Barazite said this on November 25, 2008 at 7:31 pm
denilson on left midfield and not merida wow…
i say no more
Phader said this on November 25, 2008 at 7:49 pm
very poor 1st half…
i wonder wot arsene says to dem at half time
Phader said this on November 25, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Wenger needs for once to make a HT substituion. He should not have faith that we can change it around in the 2nd half. Take off Denilson and bring on Wilshere.
Jay said this on November 25, 2008 at 8:43 pm
The Man Utd Match Is Much Better At The Mo.
Mark said this on November 25, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Well you can´t be right all the time. No Merida tonight.
Hilmar said this on November 25, 2008 at 11:25 pm