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It’s sixth v 16th in all London clash at the Emirates on Saturday morning. Fresh from a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool, Wenger will be looking for a better defensive effort against a Rangers outfit that is looking for their first back-to-back win this season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4.30am (AEDT).
It’s been an up and down season for Arsenal. Touted among the favourites to win the league at the beginning of the season, the Gunners, hit by injuries to key players have failed to produce consistently and have been outside the top four since the beginning of November.
Arsene Wenger, who is under increasing pressure to keep his job following a last start draw against a 10-man Liverpool, believe his side can turn their season around during the Christmas period, “We have a good opportunity over Christmas to show that we are much better than people think we are.
There are three games in a very short period of time and we can make points. Our opponents will think that as well, but let’s just put the performances in and capitalise on it. The consistency in that period is what will matter.”
Having won the last seven Boxing Day matches at home, Arsene and the Gunners will be buoyed by the likely return to the matchday squad of Tomáš Rosický, David Ospina and Yaya Sanogo while Héctor Bellerín may be a surprise inclusion. Arsenal fans will also be pleased to hear that Theo Walcott could be in line to return.
What of the Rangers then? Following a come from behind win against West Brom, they have managed to climb clear of the relegation zone for the first time this season, but with only two points separating them and 17th placed Burnley they are by no means safe.
Over the last month Harry Redknapp has instilled self-belief in a squad that is riddled with quality. Add to the the bull-dogged determinedness of Charlie Austin, Joey Barton and Steven Caulker the Rangers have demonstrated the form that can not only keep them in the top flight this season, but also have a say in the outcome of the league.
However, to do so, they must begin to replicate their home form when away from Loftus Road. So far QPR are yet to pick up even a solitary point away from Loftus Road and defender Caulker admits “We need to show the character we’ve got at home when we play away. If we do that, we have got every chance of staying in the Premier League.”
A draw will suit neither Arsene or Harry, so it is all or nothing on Boxing Day in London. Arsenal have history on their side, but QPR arrive at the Emirates hungry to build on their last start win, join The Roar on Sunday morning at 4.30am (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
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