Tough guy Flamini the key

ALTHOUGH this game is billed as a duel between two of the best passing sides in Europe, it could all come down to the less eye-pleasing battle in the middle of the park.

Both clubs are coming off energy-sapping away trips in the League Cup midweek, even though several key personnel were rested.

And Arsenal had more bad news on the injury front when scans ruled out winger Theo Walcott for a few weeks with an abdominal injury.

That means that defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini will have an even more important role to play if the Gunners are to emerge with yet another Premier League victory on the road.

Flamini returned to North London after five years at AC Milan on a free transfer last month. Now 29 and with three France caps to his name, the Marseille-born enforcer finds himself as one of the senior statesmen at the club.

As a newly-arrived 20-year-old in the 2004-2005 season, Flamini was a member of a Gunners squad that included Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. Claiming the 2005 FA Cup was the last major silverware the club have won.

Flamini didn’t play in the final but picked up a winner’s medal after appearing in the earlier rounds.

Swansea will give themselves every chance of turning over the visitors to extend their unbeaten premiership run to four matches.

The Swans are a potent attacking force and Arsenal have ridden their luck defensively at times this season. I am forecasting a home victory in an open and entertaining game, probably by three goals to one.

Jason Dasey is Premier League host and executive producer for Astro SuperSport, now broadcasting eight of 10 EPL games every week.