In how many languages can you call a game meaningless

I can call this game meaningless in one language. Watch me do it. This game is meaningless. There you go.

That’s my Portsmouth preview. This game is meaningless. It’s not important to prepare for United. You could argue that the only thing that matters in this game is the fitness of the participants. But let’s face it, there really aren’t any injuries left to suffer. Eduardo’s out, Clichy’s out and although RVP has a late late late late fitness test on Tuesday, rumor has it that he’s out too. In fact, Arsene Wenger has declared Eduardo the most unlucky player he has ever been around after he suffered a groin injury that will cost him the rest of the season when Rio Ferdinand fell on him. Yet another reason to hate Rio Ferdinand, as if we needed another. Well, here’s another reason; he’s going to be fit for Tuesday. While we can’t manage to get anyone fit for Tuesday, Rio Ferdinand, after publicly showing his bravery in the face of injury will be fit for Tuesday. That’s right, despite coughing up blood, this amazingly tough and brave soul will play in the second leg. Oh, Rio, you incredible testiment to testosterone, how can we ever match your courage. You got bumped in the ribs and you can still play next week…Amazing! I bet you could play after sneezing, getting a splinter and even suffering excess ear wax. You are a tower of a man Rio Ferdinand.

So while we’re a team of wounded souls, United will have the services of their key center half. That seems fair. Cross all of your fingers and toes that RVP is fit for Tuesday because if he isn’t I’m not entirely sure we’ll be able to convince Arsene Wenger to play a 4-4-2. What was the point of this blog post again? Oh, yes, the Portsmouth preview. Have I mentioned that the game is meaningless? I have? Then I’m running out of things to write.

Apparently we’re heading for a full scale war for control of the club. Stan Kroenke has just become the largest shareholder after acquiring Mr. Carr’s shares to increase his ownership to just beyond 28%. That means he now owns more than Usmanov and close to the 30% that would require him to make an attempt to buy out the remaining shares. This isn’t particularly interesting stuff until it reaches the point that someone buys the whole club. Then it gets more interesting than any of us would like. Arsenal are run in a particular way and the last thing we need is an entrepreneur operating the club like a play thing.

That’s really the only news that’s worth discussing at the moment. We’ve got a massive test on Tuesday that more than overshadows the game tomorrow. In fact, I’m not sure that any regulars will play tomorrow other than Andrei Arshavin. Bendtner will probably start and we might see players like Ramsey, Vela, Eboue, and Denilson. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of them start. In defense we have few options beyond our ususals. Djourou, Sagna, Gibbs and Toure may have to start. If they don’t, who will? Also, they could use the practice.

If we lose tomorrow then third place is truly beyond us. If we draw tomorrow then third place is truly beyond us. If we win tomorrow, then it’s still a possibility but highly unlikely. Either way, it’s such an irrelevant game that we’re better off starting the players that don’t see much action. At least they’ll have something to prove. The man I feel somewhat sorry for is Arshavin. He’s been our best player since he arrived at the Emirates and his season is essentially over. He doesn’t get to play for any glory. His only reason to keep fighting this season is the chance to show his stuff against Chelsea and United like he did against Liverpool.

Soon it will be time to start thinking about next season. Some of that thinking has begun with rumors that we’re battling Sp*rs for the services of Roque Santa Cruz. They can have him as far as I’m concerned. For 18M Pounds I’d much rather see a defender or two arrive in the summer.

If nothing else, enjoy watching the game tomorrow as a diversion. As a nice break from the unbearable intensity and nervousness that’s sure to arrive on Tuesday. It’s a trip to the south coast for the Gunners that is merely a chance to shake off the concussion from our trip to Old Trafford. Let’s all just get through tomorrow and then set our sights on the most difficult challenge to face Arsenal in a very very long time. Overturning a 1-0 deficit to our hated Manchester rivals.

Come on you…oh, forget it. I can’t even muster the energy. Enjoy the trip south you Gunners.