Rovers Return: Blackburn (A)

With Blackburn supporters rumoured to be plotting a protest march to remove Eastenders' Grant Mitchell from his managerial position at Ewood Park (or 'Steve Kean' as the media insist on calling him), there might not be a better time to play Blackburn all season.

Whilst the Rovers poor form continues, it seems we are on the up. The midweek draw in Dortmund was the strongest defensive display we've put in in some time and a repeat of last season's 1-0 at Ewood would do nicely again. After his blistering start to the season, don't rule out Theo bagging the winner once more!

Team news time then, and as usual, Vermaelen stays on the sidelines. When fit, he is most definitely our best defender, perhaps even our most natural leader, and by far one of the strongest centre-halves in the league. But his situation is now becoming worringly similiar to Van Persie's.
When he plays, we win. But how often does he play now that his body looks undeniably weakened by last season's long lay-off through a mystery ankle problem? Luckily, Mertesacker is there to step in and he's looked every inch the German international in his two games so far. Strong, sturdy, positionally switched on, and great in the air. Jack Wilshere will also stay on the treatment table for a further two months, so that young Xavi-Iniesta-in the making partnership of Jacky and Aaron Ramsey will have to be put on hold a little longer. Tomas Rosicky, Diaby and Squillaci all remain sidelined and Jenkinson suspended, (though that's no real loss) whilst Park and Andre Santos have regained match fitness and should take their place on the bench.

Expect to see Arshavin starting once more following his recently rejuvenation and upturn in form though he will now have to battle with the impressive Gervinho for a starting berth, following the Ivorian's return from an opening day suspension at Newcastle. Alex Song also returns which is a huge boost though Frimpong will sit out one more game of his domestic ban. I was also very suprised to see Marouane Chamakh make a late appearance in Germany in midweek. The Moroccan has somewhat become our forgotten man since a scintilating start to life in England 12 months ago and appears to be suffering from Torres syndrome with only one competitive goal since November 2010 (at home to Leyton Orient).

My score prediction for Saturday? Let's be optomistic. Just like the Swansea game, I'm going for a classic...*sings* one-nil to the ar-se-nal!