Editor’s note: Xander returns to take over the reigns.

Hello everyone, hope everyone had a great holiday season, full of love, peace and of course, football! It’s been a while since I wrote something and I apologize, since you probably all missed my Arsenal analysis and Manchester United hatred. So, 5cents got everyone up to date with the long Christmas and New Year’s busy schedule, and it’s wonderful to start 2008 top of the table. Thanks West Ham! The Gunners have been playing well, and have even changed their traditional 4-5-1 setup, now playing with two strikers. I have always preferred that formation, but it is obviously taking some time for the players to get used to this. The back four have been looking a little suspect without the extra protection the 5th midfielder offers, but Almunia has been solid in goal. A lot of people have asked me my opinion on the Lehmann situation, and I’m sure I’ve already mentioned something before, but for safe measure I’ll repeat myself. I couldn’t give a toss whether he stays or goes. Granted he has always been a true professional and has always given 110% in every game, but let’s face it, he’s 38 and his time with the Gunners is over. Wenger will want him to stay but if I were him, I would probably be looking for a team where I could play a few more games. Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks. The lads have been playing well, and they deserve to be where they are. It’s still a little early to talk title hopes, but it does inspire confidence. They are hungry, young and have a promising future ahead of them.

This past weekend was the FA Cup, the oldest cup in the world. I love the FA Cup, there are always upsets, and I really look forward to these (as long as it does not involve us), this weekend being no different. Everton lost to Oldham 1-0, Blackburn lost out to Coventry 4-1. You heard it right. FOUR to ONE, hah! It warms my cockles. You gotta love the FA Cup. Other Premiership upsets include Newcastle drawing to Stoke and Fulham drawing with Bristol. Shit, I almost forgot, Luton, with 12th man Kuyt holding Liverpool to a draw. I have a friend down here who detests the Reds, and he has a petition going around to keep Benitez as manager … because that way, they will never win the League. Trying for the Champions League again are we Rafa?

Before I finish off, I would like to switch over to the Carling Cup. Chelsea hosted Everton in the first semi, and the Gunners hosted our lovely neighbours, the Spurs, in a repeat of last year’s semi final. Nothing like a North London derby cup tie. First, to the Blues. With about 99.9% of their squad either injured or off gallivanting around Africa, and Everton on decent form, this promised to be a decent game. Of course, Chelsea finished off in typical Bridge fashion, scoring in the last possible second of injury time! Still, Everton managed an away goal, and now have the advantage of playing at home for the second tie. Anything could happen. Over to the derby. The Carling Cup has been seen by Wenger as a chance to play the younger members of the squad. So, an almost full team Spurs, versus the little Gunners. We managed a lucky goal thanks to Theo’s hand and saved the game, but we were completely dominated. I immediately received a call from the local pub’s owner (die-hard Spurs man), but he had nothing to say when I said how proud he must be to have his A-team dominate a bunch of 18 year olds. I could hear a pin drop. Let’s face it: the Carling Cup isn’t exactly at the top of the priorities list (although some teams seem desperate to win any sort of silverware), and this is a great chance for younger players to gain some big game experience. As long as this remains the case, I couldn’t care if we don’t win it. Still, it looks improbably there will be a repeat of last year’s final, though anything could happen. You can’t underestimate these young lads. Spurs did last year, and were taught a good lesson. The young Gunners even gave a fully charged Chelsea team a good game in the final. Like the TV presenter said today: “Arsenal have a great present and an even better future.” However, it does hurt the soul when we get outplayed by Spurs …

We head back to the Premier League this weekend, and hopefully the Gunners can remain top. Good luck to you all in you fantasy leagues, and remember… Roque Santa Cruz might be injured. Bugger. There goes my little gold mine for the last few weeks!

ON THE FANTASY FRONT

The Premier League returns to action this weekend and no doubt several African players will already be missing from their respective team rosters. Keep this is mind when selecting your squad. It will be interesting to see which substitutes make the cut during the A-team players’ absence and whether or not they can make an impact.

FOOTY FETISH SHOW SUMMARY

For a list of injured players, go HERE.

For a list of suspended players, go HERE.

For a list of players to be suspended, go HERE.

For a list of penalty takers, go HERE.

For a list of players missing games due to the African Nations Cup, go HERE.

Tune in to tonight’s show HERE.

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