Premier predictions for Arsenal’s start

WTTGT Writer: Warwick Tuatara

On the 13th August, Arsenal starts another season with hopes of landing some much needed silverware. With the last addition to the trophy cabinet being that memorable FA Cup win in 2005 over Manchester United, a six year drought has loomed over Wenger’s squad.

The Gunner’s Premier League campaign gets underway with an away trip to St. James’ Park, home of Newcastle FC and scene of ‘that’ demise last year. Although Newcastle have made some new signings, the Gunner’s flare and quick paced football will prove too strong, with the away side picking up a vital three points, winning 2-0.

However, the next two games could provide some greater football games, but extreme headaches for Wenger in the same breath. Firstly, a home fixture against Liverpool and a game that has all the makings of a classic. With the squads that both teams have, a share of the spoils is most likely with a 1-1 draw seeming fair.

After Liverpool comes an away trip to Old Trafford and to the reigning Champions. United’s football last season was less than spectacular, but, as painful to watch and admit they still managed to pick up the vital points to secure their crown.

This time around, Man United haven’t made many additions and as it stands, Arsenal have a good chance of stealing the points. But with a poor recent history at Old Trafford, a Manchester win is the more realistic. Prediction: 2-1 United.

Every cloud has a silver lining, and the silver lining is starting to shine! Four games into the new season, and 10th September sees new boys Swansea travel to the Emirates. It should see them leaving empty handed, and with a severe dent in their confidence. This game could be a total thrashing but Arsenal will settle for a 3-0 victory.

Up fifth is a trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers. It could well be a testing game for Arsenal. Blackburn are a notoriously tough and physical team, and can often spring lethal counter attacks. This game could be the most testing out of Arsenal’s ‘lower league’ opponents with Blackburn possibly grabbing a point out of the North London outfit. A 1-1 prediction seems fit for this game.

For Arsenal’s last September game, and sixth of the season, they face another stern northern opponent in Bolton Wanderers. Owen Coyle’s side and a valiant and tough team to break down, but Bolton will struggle to keep hold of the pace that Arsenal play so well, and a 2-0 win will avail.

For Arsenal, the first six games of the new 2011/12 season could very well act as a stepping stone in keeping up with Man United, Chelsea, City and Liverpool. However, the key for Wenger’s men will be to hold onto key players this summer and to bolster the ranks.

Would you like to cement a stable platform good enough for Arsenal to remain in the top four, or is that not enough?

This season could very well be the season a trophy is brought to north London.