What's your thoughts on RVP possibly starting on the bench vs either Wolves or QPR?

Someone made a valid point to me earlier reminding me that with RVP going for the record of Premier League goals in a calendar year, it may play on Arsene's mind and make him more reluctant to rest him?

Or if he gets the record vs Wolves, will he take to the bench for the QPR game, knowing Fulham(a) is just 2 days later?

Does he need 1 more to equal Shearer's record and 2 to break it?

He needs three more to break it. So yes, if he scores a hattrick this w-end surely he'll be rested. But don't think for one second Wenger will rest him against Wolves, Robin won't be pleased.

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNew ... 47683.html

i agree.

Woudl be gutting for the player to be denied a chance at a league record just because the manager fancies rotating him out.

I'd put money on him playing on the 27th, then if he makes the record leaving him out of the next game. If he doesn't hit the record, i can see him playing both. Big thing for him this no doubt, so would be very disappointed to be denied the chance.

Now I've seen that link and another one, I'm more confident he'll at least start the Wolves game and should he miss out on scoring 3 goals will get the QPR game too.

Phew!

Wenger did say in his press conference that "Van Persie record not as vital as points" but would expect him to start against Wolves, hopefully get 4 goals so can be rested for the QPR game so will know to change captain for that game

I agree with above. Also the game being moved to the 27th gives him an extra day to rest.

I think we all expect managers to say that really.

But I'm now confident that if RVP doesn't get 3 goals vs Wolves, he'll also start against QPR.

There's a 12 days gap between Fulham and Swansea, so Arsene may take that into consideration too, knowing he'll have almost 2 weeks between those matches.

He can have a rest in the FA Cup at home to Leeds on 9th Jan

Wenger shouldn't be giving a toss about records like that. Anyway, let Joey at him against QPR I say!

Would be very surprised if he's on the bench against Wolves. It's 6 days between that and the Villa game just past. The QPR game however, i'm not so sure. 2 days later they play Fulham away so Wenger might want to keep him fresh for that.

This. I certainly don't expect him to complete 90 mins too often over the festive period.

What's the most consecutive appearances RVP has made for Arsenal? He must be getting close to it now, if he hasn't beat it already.

Can't even see him being rested for that tbh, less minutes maybe but he won't play in the FA Cup, all going well the home games will be won by the 60 min mark in which he can come off.

Playing games is not as much of an issue as is made out because they will hardly train in-between, the league position and fight for 4th takes care of itself now after the City game, every game is must win.

I hope so

Arsenal are not like City, they could easily rest Aguero and have world class coming in, Wenger has Chamakh....

well put

As a Gooner, if/when RVP does sit one out, I'd like to see Theo at CF and AOC come in on the right. There's been plenty of chat about it, would be nice to see if it works. Probably wouldn't get too many headed goals from open play, but then when do we? Arsene is on the record as saying "That's not my bag, baby". I might have made the last bit up.

Oh god, that glorious pace. Put Gervinho down the left and we'll create buckets of chances, even if there'll be no-one there to finish them off

Jonathan I think this really does mean something to Arsene--RvP has been one of his finest players throughout his Arsenal tenure and for van Persie to make his mark on the premier league in one of the only ways he can is vital.

IMO not only will van Persie play but he'll have a fire inside him that I think Wolves hapless defenders will not be able to match.

he will be rested when he is injured and then i will sell him

He should - because it comes down to player morale and as a manager that's one of the most important things to look after.

Do we think Walcott could be rested at any point?

Oxlade Chamberlain is chomping at the bit, Theo does need a rest too. Could happen.

He will probably be brought off early in the 2 games around 60th-70th minute.

He won't be on the bench though, Arsenal can't afford to bench him at the moment.

+1 for the Walcott centre forward role, i have said it for a while as a Man U fan..

His pace is frightening, he isnt the best dribbler which is why i think he isnt a winger.

Yeah I've said that too for a while.

When Arsene bought Henry he converted him from a winger (for Juventus) to a striker. I think he'll attempt to do the same.

I have read similar reports today, also in Dutch. Wenger shouldn't dare we should know within the hour I guess what Wenger is up to

Edit within the hour: And alrighty, he starts now let's see if he doesn't break at the 17th minute (as he did in a nightmare I had the other night )

Aye he starts. Walcott doesnt tho

Szczesny, Djourou, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Benayoun, Gervinho, Van Persie

Walcott also not on the bench

So, a draw against Wolves. Is QPR a must win? If so, surely he must start? A bit risk for capt though for me.