English Premier League Week 8 Preview: Arsenal Hope To Prove Themselves Title Contenders Against Birmingham City

Arsenal, still trying to prove that they are legitimate title contenders. Birmingham City, still trying to prove they are legitimate Europe contenders. Both lost 2-0 to the competition they need to beat if they want to be taken seriously, Arsenal to Chelsea, Birmingham to Everton. But the Blues haven’t won at Arsenal since 1956, and with their recent struggles and utter determination to play to a draw, it’s unlikely this match will break that streak.

Projected Lineup, Arsenal (4-2-1-3): Fabianski-Eboué, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy—Song, Wilshere—Diaby—Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin

Projected Lineup, Birmingham City (4-4-2): Foster—Carr, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell—Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, Derbyshire—Hleb, Zigic

Key Battle: Birmingham City against…Birmingham City. While concentrating on playing defensively, the Blues get too many bodies behind the ball, leading to chaos at the back. Roger Johnson’s own goal against Everton two weeks ago was the third own goal scored by Birmingham this season. If that’s not enough, Alexander Hleb, on loan from Barcelona, has come out and said that he prefers the playing style of former club Arsenal to that of Birmingham.

Battle Within The Battle:With Bacary Sagna sidelined with a thigh injury, you’d think it would be time for Alex Song to step forth and shine, considering the brilliance of his locks this season. Alas, the midfielder has been outdone by newcomer Marouane Chamakh, who’s trying to rock a new look known as “tousled mohawk”. Birmingham are sadly bereft in both hair and style, with Stephen Carr’s buzzed head perfectly eclipsing the team’s challenges in growing a lovely mop.

Pick: No surprises here. While Arsenal often have trouble putting the ball in the net, it’s highly possible Birmingham will complete that task for them. Still, the Gunners will be relying on moments of brilliance when trying to unlock the Birmingham defense, so don’t expect a high scoreline: Arsenal 1-0 Birmingham City.