CSKA / sneaky Johann / Aliadiere off / my birthday

So tonight, other than being the momentous evening of my birth, we take on the Russkies at our place, really rather needing a win. Team news is so far that Justin Hoyte might make it but Adebayor definitely misses out. It'll be interesting to see who Arsene deploys at right back if he doesn't make it, I'd imagine one of Gallas, Flamini or Djourou.

Speaking of Johann, it looks like he's been taking "how to be sneaky" lessons from Kolo, as it emerged yesterday that he too signed a new long term deal in the summer. He's been very impressive in the absence of big Phil (and the mammoth chasm created by fat Sol Campbell's departure) and it's nice to see his attitude and long term view are bang on. Also, I think it's worth pointing out, because many people don't realise, that he's absolutely massive (6"4 no less) and I do like having huge fuck off centre halves.

Aliadiere looks like he could be off in January as he thinks he should've played more. With the arrival of Adebayor he's firmly fourth in the pecking order (I'm counting Theo as a winger, not striker) and whether that's right or wrong isn't the point, it's what the boss wants, so I'm surprised he doesn't see this. He's always showed great promise but he's 23 now and didn't do the business at Wolves, Celtic or West Ham when he was out on loan over the past few years. That said we've got Lupoli and Bendtner to come back, so I don't really care.

Talking of Nicklas, he bagged his seventh of the season last night for the Blues as Birmingham ran out 1-0 winners over local rivals Coventry. If Aliadiere goes in January does this mean Bendtner comes back? Personally I think it'd do him more good to have a full season in Brum, but you never know.

And finally, what am I doing for my birthday? Why I'm going to tonight's game at the Grove of course.

Come on you Gunners.