On tap: Arsenal v ManU

It's a bit strange when the key figure in a Champions League semifinal decider isn't allowed to suit up, but we may just have that situation tonight. After a scoreless draw in the Old Trafford leg (Greg dumb #1), Arsenal would surely look and feel a better bet if Andrey Arshavin hadn't been cup-tied by his earlier participation with Zenit St. Petersburg.

As is, the Gunners will have Robin van Persie back and Manchester United have won only once on their last 10 trips to North London. Then again, they don't necessarily need a victory when a scoring draw will work just as well (Greg dumb #2).

There are so many trends and forces butting heads with variables tonight at The Emirates, it's an extremely difficult game to call. On one hand, Arsenal haven't lost a CL match at home in about 4-5 years and topped ManU at home earlier this season (or B.A. - Before Arshavin). Then again, United have far fewer absences to worry about and, well... don't lose so often.

The late fitness test list includes questionable V.I.P. Patrice Evra for United and doubtful former Red Devil Mikael Sylvestre for the home side. If the latter can't go, we may see Johan Djourou get the assignment of his life.

However, if Evra can't go, it lessens the impact of missing Arshavin and may give Arsenal a breach point. Possible replacement John O'Shea has plenty of savvy, but it only takes one or two times of the much smaller, slippery Samir Nasri getting loose to change the outcome.

For United, job #1 is score. Even grabbing just one in the early going can change the game entirely. If they go into halftime still carrying a goose egg, Arsenal chances increase measurably.

Normally, this would go into my "too tough to call" folder, but this is for the final and I'm not in the business of shying from a challenge. I'm gonna call this one... 2-2, United go through after a tense finish.

UPDATE: Urgh. I'm the Nimrod of the Day. ManU lead 1-0 from the first leg. Forget much of what I just said. Nevertheless, I'll stick with United advancing on a 2-2. And Greg still needs a vacation.

UPDATE UPDATE: And now I've referred to myself in the third person. That's worse than the other mix-up. I really need a vacation.

To kill a bit more work productivity:

- UEFA's match notes, just like the ones handed out in the press box
- 10 more match facts from The Telegraph
- Rio will play, despite a knock
- Cesc urges Gunners to do the business
- Sir Alex wants goals

For the last word, we go to Arsene Wenger...




- Greg Seltzer