Expectations for new season

Wait a minute, the new league season’s here? Oh wow, time didn’t even let me have to wait for this day to come. But it’s been kind enough to have me mull over his exit. This life.
After 90 minutes against Sunderland I’m sure I’ll have great cause to have time speed things up a little. Before then, we’ve bumped heads together and come up with our thoughts of how the 2012/13 season will go for us off our respective crystal balls.
So here’s our preview of Arsenal’s campaign in the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League…
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Barclays Premier League logo

First question, Are you satisfied with our current squad? Any additions and/or subtractions needed?
QED:

We are almost there. Defensive cover and we’ll go unbeaten.

Escobar:

Not at all. Exicted, yes. Satisfied? No. We could do with 2-3 additions with one being a defender as I have no faith in Jenkinson, he needs to go on loan and is not solid cover for Sagna. A loan signing should be good. Also a striker and a midfielder. Giroud and Podoslki are good but why can’t we have one more?

Punkenstein:

The current squad looks very good on paper, Wilshere and Rosicky’s injury absence won’t be so much felt but Sagna’s could prove damaging. So, I’m mostly satisfied with the squad but we do need good cover while Sagna is out.

2. Where do you see Arsenal finishing in the league this season?
QED:

We’ll finish champions. 19 points ahead of United.

Escobar:

Hard to say. 3rd. But that would be acceptable if we win the FA Cup and Capital One Cup. I’ve always asked for us to prioritize those over any other competitions.

Punkenstein:

With the new faces, I honestly thought we’d fall just short and get 2nd place… then he made a deal with the devil and 3rd place seems more like it now.

3. How far will we go in the UEFA Champions League?
QED:

Semi finals, losing out to Barcelona on penalties.

Escobar:

Quarterfinal. Don’t see us getting past that.

Punkenstein:

I’d say the quarterfinal stage. But if we happen to get AC Milan in the last eight, we’re definitely making the semis then.

4. How well do you think the Koscielny/Vermaelen combination will work this season?
QED:

Perfectly. We’ve got Bould. We’ll concede less than 10 goals this season.

Escobar:

Of course. What’s stopping them from exploding? Nothing. They are in their primes and can only get better. But I’m not bothered about the players of old, more of the new signings.

Punkenstein:

It will be better, it better be anyway. Verm’s talked of Steve Bould’s influence and now’s the time to show what’s been imparted from the new assistant. As for Kozzer, that would show through (among other areas) not scoring own goals.

5. Which player do you think will surprise everybody this season?
QED:

Diaby. Ramsey close second.

Escobar:

Since you’re going with surprise? I’d say Gervinho. He’s the only one with something to prove from last season. And if he’s going to start the season on the bench, then that’s extra motivation. Can’t say AOC, he’s quality already.

Punkenstein:

First name to my mind here was Vasiriki Glassfeet. Then Wilshere (with a return to full fitness and form) but I’ll go with instinct and settle with Thomas Eisfeld.

6. We have gone 7 seasons without a trophy. Should Arsene Wenger prioritise the Capital One Cup more highly this season?
QED:

Do we have a choice? Let’s start our first XI, or at least something close. We must win a trophy this term.

Escobar:

He would be stupid not to. But he’s stupid enough to go after all four cups. FA Cup and C1Cup should be the targets.

Punkenstein:

Maybe. But he’ll play the Eisfeld, Ox and the likes as usual so I think the FA Cup should be our priority.

7. Who would you play as top striker now that RVP has left and no replacement will be brought in?
QED:

Poldi Goldi

Escobar:

Podolski. Everyone would say Giroud but if we start both Giroud and Podolski, which striker is going to come off the bench? Exactly.

Punkenstein:

Play Giroud there with Poldi from the left flank as an inside forward since Giroud makes for a good target man, which would benefit Poldi (maybe Walcott too).

8. Diaby’s season appears to be a bit make-or-break, which way do you think it will go?
QED:

He’ll surprise us all, stay fit till mid September, and do the usual.

Escobar:

Break. I don’t fancy him at all. For 60k/w he’s done more harm than good. He needs to leave.

Punkenstein:

While not literally bidding him “break a leg this season mate”, this should be a ‘make’ season for Diaby.

9. What about Arsenal’s biggest new name – Santi Cazorla – how will he fit in?
QED:

Too well. I’m creaming all over, just thinking of him and Arteta in midfield.

Escobar:

He’s going to be huge for us. I was against the signing. WAS. Now, he’s going to lead the charge for us from the middle. If he can average 9 goals + 9 assists or more, we’re good.

Punkenstein:

Oh? I thought he already did? I mean.. his height advantage ensures that anyway. And good Lord, his intelligence on and off the ball… oh Santi!!

10. Who do you think will finish as top goalscorer for us?
QED

Podolski. 25 goals. You heard it here first!

Escobar:

Whoever plays the CF position for us. Most likely Podolski

Punkenstein:

Here’s your chance Chamakh, make it happen. But knowing Shisha’s ways… I’ll say Poldi will.

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And that’s how we see the season going. Can’t wait to read match-day tweets and have a laugh. Before leaving, some bit of club news to put out.
Alex Song’s move to Barcelona is now very close to completion having reportedly agreed terms with the Catalan club after asking to leave earlier today. All that’s left is for Arsenal and Barcelona to agree on a fee with the Gunners seeking at least £17m for the midfielder.
Consequently, a loan move to Arsenal for Turkey midfielder Nuri Sahin looks back on the cards with le boss said to have made a call to the player himself.
This comes on the heels of RvP’s move to Manchester United being confirmed today. As Thierry Henry said though, we’ll move on. A very happy birthday to him, a real legend at 35!
Meanwhile Squad numbers have been updated and Wilshere will take over the number 10 jersey. Podolski gets the 9 while Cazorla will have 19 on the back with Park Chu Young down at number 30.
We’ll leave the rest for tomorrow’s match preview. I’m looking forward to having match ratings back on here.
So, how do you see the season going for us? Do share your thoughts on that and more below or with me on twitter.
Have a great weekend! The EPL is back!!