The Next Gunner: Marouane Chamakh

Clearly Arsenal needs some experience in their young squad if they are to challenge for trophies next year. Whether or not the lads accomplish the seemingly impossible and yank the title away from cross town rivals Chelsea, the Gunners need to make some improvements to counter those that their main challengers will inevitably carry out. WIth that, today we look at one of the strikers that is linked with the London squad.

Marouane Chamakh

This 26 year old Moroccan has confirmed he will be leaving Bordeaux at the end of the season. All signs point to this kid moving North to London. I don't know how I feel about Chamakh though. As of now he has 14 goals from 39 appearances in all competitions. That is not the most prolific tally, but certainly not too shabby. There has, however, been an emergence of talent on the Bordeaux team as of late, which could explain the sharing of goals around the French team. I am weary, though It wouldn't surprise me one bit to see Chamakh playing a role coming off the bench at Arsenal next year. I just don't think this is a go to guy especially considering the possibilities a lethal partnership between Bendtner and Van Persie, which Mr. Wegner will certainly employ in the next few weeks...

Here's a link to a nice little video.
MAROUANE CHAMAKH GOALS AND ASSISTS

Arsenal at Barcelona

Well, well, well karma seems to be heading in Arsenal's direction after all... With the Gunners going down 2-nil to Barcelona early in the second half, a deflated Arsenal squad appeared to be all but done for. Then Theo Walcott provided a glimmer of hope by pulling one back. Soon thereafter, Fabregas earned a penalty for the home team. However, in doing so, the talismanic skipper unfortunately suffered a broken leg. He heroically scored thanks to a great deal of adrenaline pumping through his veins. Arsenal left the Emirate with their heads held high. An even scoreline at 2 left the lads with the slightest bit of optimism heading into the weekend. As time was ticking down against an inspired Hull City team, Arsenal looked to have been set for a disappointing draw. Deep into stoppage time a miracle header from the Great Dane, Nicklas Bendtner, put the Gunners on top and kept them in the Premier League title race. This late winner coupled with the news that Ibrahimovic is out of the Tuesday fixture, surely gives Arsenal a sense of momentum and hope heading into the Nou Camp in a few day's time. Karma and Lady Luck might just be going to Spain with them.

Sunday's EPL Matches

We have a few great games to watch on Sunday... Not the most enticing line up, but there is certainly potential for some fun, entertaining encounters. Birmingham hosting Liverpool at St. Andrews. Fulham playing hosts to Wigan at Craven Cottage. And lastly, Everton taking on West Ham at Goodison.

Birmingham v. Liverpool:
This is an intriguing matchup at St. Andrews. Birmingham is coming off a last gasp equalizer at Arsenal which surely gave the lads some confidence heading into the Liverpool fixture. They are currently 9th in the league. Liverpool on the other hand are coming off an intresting encounter with Europa league foes, Benefica. Recently Merseysiders impressived with a victory over a relatively in-form Sunderland squad. Liverpool are currently 6th, 4 points behind Tottenham. Three points are absolutely imperative for the Reds as they hope to keep their dreams of a 4th place finish alive.

Fulham v. Wigan:
This game is particularly important to those residing in Wigan, sweating out relegation fears, and a few Fulham fans in London. Not the most enticing game of the weekend, but certainly one of importance. Wigan hope to keep their Premier League chances afloat. Meanwhile, Fulham is resting a bunch of their key players in anticipation for the Europa league fixture against Wolfsburg. This will surely anger a lot of the relegation zone clubs considering Wigan is playing against a weak-end squad. There have been a few complaints to the FA but I assume they are falling on deaf ears.

Everton v. West Ham:
The uncertainty surrounding the future of a struggling West Ham club playing against an Everton team that hasn't lost at home in quite some time makes this a salivating encounter. The Hammers are walking a might fine, expensive, line above the relegation zone. They are currently 17th in the Premier League, ahead of Hull City on Goal Differential. Everton on the other hand, is aspiring to gain a few spots in their push for a Europa league birth. This game will have fans on the edges of their seat in what is surely to be a feisty and desperate match.