With third place all but secured and with it, automatic qualification to the Champions League, there is nothing left to play for.

However, there will be up to five thousand Arsenal fans making their way to the north-west and they will not tolerate another capitulation akin to the one that we were treated to on our last visit to the region.

The game versus Man City was very forgettable but it did showcase some much improved discipline when we were without the ball. Our defensive record has been poor this season but Alex Song has missed some key games and with him back in the side last week, even Silvestre looked infinitely more assured. The Cameroon international has been vital so Wenger may well be tempted to buy another player in his mould to ensure we are not left unbalanced when he is unavailable next year.

Song, Campbell and Silvestre will once again be doing their utmost to protect Fabianski in goal. He did ok last week but only because he had nothing to do and this is the position that the manager will surely make a priority in the summer transfer window. Blackburn have nothing to play for either but Sam Allardyce loves beating us and will have his team pumped up so three points on Monday would be a commendable achievement.

Van Persie will be looking to regain his form ahead of the world cup and will be our most dangerous player. Eboue should be given a start too as he has played with a great spirit this season and displays the energy that some of his colleagues infuriatingly lack.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters