Almunia could return for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger aims for 1000th Premier League point against Tottenham
Published 14:05 30/10/09 By By John Cross
Arsene Wenger challenged his players to chalk up a Premier League milestone against bitter north London rivals Tottenham tomorrow.
Wenger will win his 1,000th Premier League point as Arsenal manager if they defeat Spurs at the Emirates.
Frenchman Wenger said: “We have a game in hand, we are in a strong position and this is a good opportunity for us.
“This is a game we want to win, I believe we will do it and the fact it’s a derby gives us a bit more motivation.”
Wenger is without Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky who has suffered another injury setback while fit-again Samir Nasri is available but is likely to be on the bench.
The Arsenal manager’s biggest dilemma is over his keeper but he hinted heavily that he will bring back fit-again Manuel Almunia, especially after Italian rookie Vito Mannone’s mistake at West Ham last Sunday.
Wenger added: “Almunia is fit to start. I’m always tempted to start with Almunia. A player who is on the bench always wants to start.”
