Arsenal vs Blackburn Rovers - Match Preview

Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers at the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is at 1pm between the 7th placed and 18th placed side in the league. The game is not televised anywhere in the UK. Arsene Wenger is sweating on the fitness of young winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who is a doubt with a knee injury. Though the game almost certainly comes too early for Kieran Gibbs (groin), Carl Jenkinson (back), Andre Santos (ankle), Abou Diaby (hamstring) and Jack Wilshere. Ivory Coast forward Gervinho is still away on African Cup of Nations duty with Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh on his way home, but not ready in time for today's game. For Blackburn, Yakubu completes the final game of his three-match ban. Forward David Goodwillie should recover from the illness that has keep him on the sidelines. Transfer-listed by request Rovers captain Christopher Samba is still not in the right mainframe to play and he won't be re-called. New signing Bradley Orr could be in contention for his debut after watching the defeat at home to Newcastle on Wednesday night where he wasn't registered in time to play after making a deadline-day move from Queens Park Rangers. Marcus Olsson, the twin brother of Martin, could also make his debut.

Line-ups from;

Arsenal (from): Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Walcott, Song, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta, van Persie, Fabianski, Rosicky, Henry, Park, Coquelin, Benayoun, Arshavin, Miquel. Blackburn (from): Robinson, Martin Olsson, Marcus Olsson, Orr, Givet, Dann, Dunn, Pedersen, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Lowe, Hoilett, Goodwillie, Bunn, Hanley, Henley, Formica, Vukcevic, Rochina, Modeste, Slew.