Some musings on the Hamburg and Man Utd games

So we played a 4-4-2 and deservedly took all 3 points on Wednesday night. Another win in Europe means its only 2 defeats in Europe in our last 20 odd games. That was us in the Premiership not so long ago and we couldn't buy a win in the Champions League. Funny how things change.

Rosicky is a very good player and a big addition to a midfield that was running short of quality on the wing.

On Wednesday he looked tenacious, quick and creative and scored a magnificent goal that not many members of the current team would have attempted. The Rosicky - Fabregas partnership is an interesting one, both pretty mobile and small but excellent on the ball with intelligent use of the ball. I can't remember Fabregas really losing the ball on Wednesday. Mix that class up with the physical presence we now have in the side thanks to Gallas, Toure, Djourou, Gilberto, Adebayor, Baptista and I think there is a good balance emerging.

Hleb looked short on confidence and always plays better when Henry plays. If Henry doesn't play on Sunday (which I think he will) then I'd be tempted to play Ljungberg, who was rested on Wednesday.

Van Persie was lively, won us a decisive penalty but unfortunately picked up an injury which means he is doubtful for Sunday. I thought he and Adebayor worked hard and were pretty effective.

Overall it was a good team performance, I thought Gilberto, el capitan on the night, was excellent, and it will hopefully give us some much needed confidence.

Ahead of the game on Sunday I am in bullish mood and think we can go to Utd and win. We need to be more direct and hopefully Rosicky has shown the way.

They haven't played as well as their 12 points would suggest.

They conceded 2 against Celtic on Wednesday night and although they were good going forward they looked very shaky at the back. I think we will score first, it's then down to holding that lead and staying solid.

Toure has been declared fit and the defence looks strong. Rooney is only half fit and Giggs, who has been Utd's best player this season along with Saha, is injured. Scholes is coming back to form and is the man we must shackle. That is why a 5 man midfield will work.

Lehmann, Gallas, Eboue, Toure and Djourou in defence, Gilberto holding, Cesc, Rosikcy, Ljungberg and Hleb making up a 5 man midfield and Henry up front can win at Old Trafford 1-0.

Blind optimism from a lifelong Gooner? Perhaps, let's wait until Monday.