Wenger Hands Starts To Bartley & Cruise V Olympiacos

Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger will hand professional debuts to 18-year-old defenders Kyle Bartley and Thomas Cruise tomorrow night in the UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Olympiacos in Greece.

Bartley will start at centre half alongside experienced French defender Mikaël Silvestre – a combination already used in the Reserves. Cruise will make only his second appearance of the campaign at left back. Kyle is handed his chance after Phillipe Senderos limped out of training yesterday while Thomas features due to Armand Traoré being rested for the weekend.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is also in contention to start in a travelling party which includes 10 teenagers. However, the notable news is that Bartley and Cruise will start. Leave your team predictions below.

Article By – J.Sanderson

74 thoughts on “Wenger Hands Starts To Bartley & Cruise V Olympiacos

  • December 8, 2009 at 2:15 pm
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    fabianski
    eastmond–bartley-silvestre-cruise
    coquelin–ramsey–merida
    wilshere–walcott–vela

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:21 pm
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    I heard Tom Cruise and David Beckham are great mates, any chance of seeing Becks join us?

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:23 pm
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    Axel – What news would you like?

    Oh you’re a laugh a minute! – Arse&Nose :)

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:24 pm
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    fabianski
    gilbert silvestre bartley cruise

    ramsey song merida

    wilshire vela walcott

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:24 pm
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    Fabianski
    gilbert, bartly, silvestre, cruise
    wilshire, Eastmond, Ramsey
    Wallcot, Vela, Merida

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:25 pm
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    Alex Song is in the squad though so…….unless he’s playing defensive midfield.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm
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    4-4-2

    Fabianski

    Cruise – Silvestre – Bartley – Gilbert

    Merida – Song – Ramsey – Wilshere

    Vela – Walcott

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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    Uhm, J, what is your source for this? Cause if you are basing it on bibbs at training, you are really reaching. No offense and all…

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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    Fabianski

    Gilbert Bartley Silvestre Cruise

    Song Eastmond

    Wilshere Ramsey Merida/Walcott

    Vela/Walcott

    I love this website. Keep up the top writing Mr.Sanderson! Look forward to when these youth players are 24/25 and still at Arsenal doing the goods. Cheers!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:29 pm
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    In all seriousness, I am looking forward to the game. I hope to see Bartley, JET and co play from the start, we have nothing to lose.

    I think it would be a shame to put Song in as CB, as it would not show much confidence in Bartley, I’m a firm advocate of playing players in position.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:29 pm
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    Personally I think it more likely that the CH’s will be Silvestre and Song to provide a strong central base.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:31 pm
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    Fabrianski
    gilbert,bartley,Silvester, Cruise
    Wilshire, Song, Ramsey
    Wallcot, Vela, Merida

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:35 pm
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    haho – Certainly not. It would be the same to judge squad numbers on the numbers they wear in training, the bibs and such mean nothing in training. We don’t know what they mean, the pictures could be taken during a defensive practice or something. So no not based on that.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:36 pm
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    Fabianski
    Eastmond Bartley Silvestre Cruise
    Ramsey Song Merida
    Walcott Vela Wilshere
    If your right about Bartley and Crusie

    Fabianski
    Gilbert Song Silvestre Cruise
    Ramsey Eastmond Merida
    Walcott Vela Wilshere
    Thats the team I would pick Think its to big a game for Bartley at cb but than again Having Song in center midfield would help in the phisical battle.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:44 pm
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    So, J, once again, what is your source? No need to reveal it… but a little nudge in the right direction is good for us as well…

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:49 pm
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    good for the young lads.
    Fab
    eboue/eastmond/gilbert bartley sylvester cruise
    ramsey cog merida
    walcott vela sunu
    i think there’s a very real possibility of seeing this side tomorrow. with the rb spot wide open i think.
    whatever the line up, it’ll be a great experience for these boys.
    come on you gunners!!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 2:50 pm
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    Why the hell is Song in peoples teams and if he is in squad why the hell is even in the squad?

    Reply
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  • December 8, 2009 at 2:57 pm
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    Fabianski

    Gilbert Bartley Silvestre Cruise

    Eastmond

    Ramsey Jay Emmanuel

    Theo Vela Merida

    I would like to see this team

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:05 pm
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    You sure about this J.Sanderson? Or is it the same sources that told you Eastmond would be in the PL squad the next game a few months ago (which he didn’t).

    Thought Song would start this game, but okay. Maybe not.. I fear Cruise will be exposed if he’s starting. Hope they don’t have a speedy right wing.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:16 pm
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    And J, being well-informed, why is Watt not in the team?

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:17 pm
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    hell yeah great news mate….I’m going cross Sarajevo just to watch it on a stream so….I’m pretty excited :D

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:26 pm
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    i would play J- Emmanuel up front see if he can hold it, u know surprise us with his versatility!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:28 pm
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    Yeah I figured that one out myself. But why? Last week Watt was preferred to Sunu, what changed?

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:34 pm
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    just read that Adriano could be available!!!! think we got bring the chap over to london asap!!!! he shouldn’t b that expensive!!! u knw that benga can get the best out of himm!!!! has 2’appen

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:40 pm
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    Adriano haha, he will spend more time in the night clubs than on the pitch.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm
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    I’d like to see JET but I don’t think Wenger’ll play him.

    My prediction:

    Fabiański
    Gilbert – Silvestre – Bartley – Cruise
    Ramsey – Eastmond – Merida
    Walcott – Vela – Wilshere

    or

    Fabiański
    Gilbert – Bartley – Song – Silvestre
    Ramsey – Eastmond – Merida
    Walcott – Vela – Wilshere

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 3:54 pm
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    Start JET up front please Arsene and tell him to run his ass off!!! Watt is playing for reserves tonight! Really want Sunu to score any chance!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:02 pm
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    Adriano will be the signing in Jan on loan for 6 months, he fits the bill. Experience, tall, powerful, reasonable quick, good technique, good touch, has played at the top level & wants to go to the world cup.

    @ Arse&nose, dont take the piss, Adriano suffered depression bcuz his dad died plus Mourinho never gave him love, Wenger gives his players freedom & always backs them, he will be a good short-term signing.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:10 pm
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    Good, they have both earned it… Adriano is going to sign for us

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:23 pm
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    fab
    gilbert silv song thomas
    ramsey eastmond merida
    theo vela wilshere
    im defiantly right!!!!!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:26 pm
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    no way is wenger gonna sign adriano. its gona take him a while to settle in cause hes been in italy for the majority of hes career where they play a much more slower game…

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:34 pm
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    Fabiański
    Gilbert – Silvestre – Song – Cruise
    Ramsey – Coq – JET
    Wilshere – vela – Merida

    Doubt that both cruise and bartley will start….maybe one of them will.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:37 pm
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    i think it will be:

    fabianski

    gilbert, song, silvestre, cruise

    wilshere, ramsey, merida

    walcott, emmanuel-thomas, vela

    bench: mannone,bartley,coquelin,eastmond,ayling,randall,sunu

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:44 pm
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    I agree with the team above, but I feel Vela may not start. As he could start against Liverpool and his replacement Walcott needs game time as I feel he will start on the bench against Liverpool.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm
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    Fabianski
    Gilbert Bartley Silvestre Cruise
    Merida Ramsey JET Wilshere
    Vela Walcott

    SUBS: Mannone…Evina…Eastmond…Ayling…Coquelin…Randall…Sunu

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:56 pm
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    Difficult to predict a Wenger side lol

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm
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    I really hope Walcott stays on the bench, this is just the type of meaningless game he’ll pick up another injury and miss out on the scousers at the weekend where we’ll need him most.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm
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    Adrianos dad died, so im not allowed to criticise him?

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 5:04 pm
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    I really hope/wish/pray to see JET start in midfield, with Song just available as sub in case Bartley struggles. Dream team would be –

    Fabiański
    Gilbert – Silvestre – Bartley – Cruise
    Ramsey – Eastmond – JET
    Wilshere – Vela – Merida

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 5:12 pm
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    Adriano is pants, as anyone who’s watched him for a whole game (rather than just highlights) can appreciate.

    Reply
  • Pingback: Senderos injury makes exit even more likely | Gooner Talk

  • December 8, 2009 at 5:43 pm
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    @ aaa, beggars cant be choosers, how many quality uncup-tied players for european competition are out there huh? i sruggling to find. The deal makes sense, we will get Charmark on the free in the summer thus meaning any signing in Jan window will be short-term. How many quality players are available on loan? again very few.

    People need to start living in the real world, scenario or signings cant be perfect all the time. Adriano’s form has been so good that he has been recalled by Strict Dunga back into the Brazil squad and he has just won the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A with Flamengo so hasnt just back to Brazil to put his feet-up

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 6:09 pm
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    Vela shouldn’t start. He should be in the first team!!!!!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 6:33 pm
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    Has cruise made big improvements then as haven’t been impressed when seen him before although he is only very young and has time to improve. I think i’d prefer gilbert bartley song silvestre

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 6:36 pm
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    fabianski
    gilbert,song,silvestre,cruise
    ramsey,eastmond,merida
    walcott,vela,wilshere

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 6:38 pm
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    So, we’re gonna see a very English side on Wednesday then….. very interesting!

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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    i thought cruise was gonna get a start we can’t afford to get traore injured aswell. this will be his chance to prove himself. he also went to my primary school year above in my brothers class. my brother tells me he used to be a striker though…

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 7:11 pm
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    Lukasz Fabianski
    Kerrea Gilbert Kyle Bartley Mikael Silvestre Thomas Cruise
    Aaron Ramsey Alex Song Fran Merida
    Theo Walcott JET Wilshire

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 7:25 pm
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    henderson defintely has to play he iz amazing

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 7:27 pm
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    @james hinde – he aint in the squad, I think he may be playing for the reserves tonite

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 7:46 pm
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    I don’t get why Song travels, especially if your information are correct. I don’t believe Song and Walcott would travel to sit on the bench though. So if Bartley starts then Song might play in midfield, leaving Eastmond on the bench or at RB. Wilshere, Vela, Walcott, Ramsey and Merida are surely the front 5

    Reply
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  • December 8, 2009 at 8:34 pm
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    Cruise for me is very underrated by gooners. Hes a terrific player he just needs to build his pace and power. Hes brilliant technically.

    Bartley deserves his chance i think hes going to be a real top top player

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 8:50 pm
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    No disrespect to Gilbert but if Wenger start with him on the right i think we’re in trouble. Jamie what about Gavin? Is he going to make it? As I see it’ll the same story as it was with Justin. Is there in the Academy anyone who can be our right-back in near future. We dont have problems with left back but with right it’s completely differnt.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 8:53 pm
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    Cedric Evina could adapt to RB position ,

    Ayling, Bartley and Cruise are some of the top English cenetrbacks in the country, I hope they all play

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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    CRUISE IS AN AWFUL PLAYER

    we will get raped on that left hand side

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 9:24 pm
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    U dik cruise is a terrrific player technically hes superb and hes a very good defender he doesnt really get beaten by wingers like he use to plsu hes great in the air and hes got good positional sense

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 11:10 pm
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    Cruise for me is very underrated by gooners. Hes a terrific player he just needs to build his pace and power. Hes brilliant technically.

    Bartley deserves his chance i think hes going to be a real top top player

    john said this on December 8, 2009 at 8:34 pm

    ————————————————–

    I completely agree with you for once John.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 11:11 pm
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    It’s the RB position that worries me. Gilbert is a liability and doesn’t give us nothing going forward.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 11:44 pm
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    I think we’re reading too much into it. Wenger knows what Watt can do, so he’s just giving Sunu a chance. Nothing more than that.

    Reply
  • December 8, 2009 at 11:49 pm
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    never seen bartley play so i hope he starts. as someone else said i’d rather our players played in their best position.

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 8:06 am
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    Kerrea set up the first goal for Fran in the Carling Cup against Liverpool…

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 9:07 am
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    I brought the Adriano thing up to articles ago. Wenger said basically he is looking for a world class striker who is free. He also ruled out Dzeko, Balotelli,van Nistelrooy. Adriano suffered from depression because his father died. How can anyone judge how that would affect someone? Plus in Italy the crowd is rarely supportive and more often boos rather than cheers. Which couldnt have helped his cause. In England, the fans are much more motivating. He just led the brazilian league in goals and won the title. He is only there on a short term contract and available on a free. We all know what kind of striker he was and what kind he could be. Under Wenger, I believe he could get back to the top.

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 11:46 am
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    Haha, I was just about to e-mail you to tell you I’d heard this from a separate source, but you’re always a step ahead! :)

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 12:40 pm
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    Would love to see JET playing upfront and certainly Bartley at center half next to…. well anyone TBH, I dont care!! I just wanna see some more of those FA youth cup winners make it in the bigger stage. Cant wait to see the game..

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 1:44 pm
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    Im sure talent scouts from other clubs cant wait to see them play in the Champions League either….

    Reply
  • December 9, 2009 at 3:24 pm
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    Song and Walcott wouldn’t be in the squad if they weren’t going to play.
    Personally, I see Song at CB today, not Bartley.

    Reply

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