Return of the King and QPR (H)

Well after much speculation Thierry Henry has indeed agreed a loan deal to join Arsenal for 2 months. The man who scored 226 goals in all competitions for us and was literally idolised by Arsenal fans the world over. But of course he's a different player to the one that left for Barcelona a few years back and is now 34 and playing in the MLS. It's important to remember that he isn't going to be the player we all remember and we can't expect too much of him. Players often under perform during their second spell at a club but I wouldn't put it past him netting at least one before he returns to the Big Apple. Class is permanent.

Anyway now that I've done the nostalgic bit down to business as usual and the visit of QPR in our last game of 2011. Now QPR are a side that have come up from the Championship and just tried to play the same football they played but stepped it up a gear and to be honest is hasn't really worked. Neil Warnock is man I absolutely detest because nothing is ever his teams fault, I'd love to see us smash them into the ground today. 

I expect we'll line up similarly to Wolves with a few changes. Same keeper and back four. The midfield might shift around a bit though as Walcott recovered from a stomach problem quickly enough to get a start. I'd expect to see Song, Arteta and Ramsey across the middle as Benayoun drops the to bench. Gervinho on the left and of course RVP upfront. 

QPR have got a decent team and a few decent players despite their current position. Helguson and Bothroyd upfront can link together well and provide a real threat the defence will have to be tight to make sure we aren't exposed. Wright-Phillips is another player whose pace causes issues down the wing and although he can't really cross he likes to cut inside so Djourou will have to make sure he isn't given free reign. I reluctantly include that prick Barton in this mainly because he's a thug hopefully Song will bash him about.

This is another match (like Wolves) that we need to win if we're going to occupy one of those top spots. We were unlucky against Wolves but we just couldn't kill the game off and that's what we need to do more clinically. Fingers crossed and Happy New Year to you all. COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 QPR