Wenger ready for physical test at Blackburn

Arsene Wenger fears Blackburn will try to rough up Arsenal in Saturday’s clash at Ewood Park unless referee Chris Foy stops their aggressive tactics.

Wenger, whose new acquisition Sebastien Squillaci will not be included in the squad following his move from Sevilla on Thursday, makes no secret of his dislike for the Premier League’s more physical teams.

Rovers, who are managed by Sam Allardyce, are one of those in Wenger’s opinion and when the Gunners were beaten there last season referee Martin Atkinson was berated for failing to provide the visitors with protection, especially when it came to challenges on the goalkeeper.

Wenger is keen to avoid a repeat this time and he hopes Foy will take action if Rovers over-step the mark.

“I believe everybody looks at his squad and tries to find a way where the game is most efficient and we developed one way,” Wenger said.

“It is not the only way, I respect every other way – as long as the referees get the rules respected.”

Wenger used Stoke City – another of his least favourite opponents – as an example of how not to play the game following the Potters defeat last week to Tottenham.

“I saw some pictures last Sunday; you cannot say any more it is football, it is rugby on the goalkeepers,” he said. “The referees cannot go on and accept that because that has nothing to do with the game.

“You cannot have players whose main role is to stop the goalkeepers from catching the ball and not even go for the ball.”

Blackburn are sure to provide Arsenal with a sterner test than neighbours Blackpool managed in London last weekend, with the Premier League newcomers suffering a 6-0 defeat.

Andrey Arshavin, the Russia forward, believes it is vital Arsenal win ahead of next week’s international break.

“We should win in order to leave for the break without any worries. This will give confidence to the team, ” he said. “In addition, we haven’t forgotten about the defeat against Blackburn at the end of the last season.”

French defender Squillaci, 30, has been signed to bolster a back-line that has seen William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, Sol Campbell and Philippe Senderos all depart during the close-season.

The centre-back will have to wait until next month for a chance of a debut but Wenger is confident he would make an impression.

“He is a real defender and is good in the one against one, good in the air, and can score goals on set-pieces as well,” he said. “I believe he will be suited to the English game.”

Rovers forward Mame Biram Diouf, who is on loan from Manchester United, hopes to dent Arsenal’s title ambitions.

“Yes I hope it is going to be good against Arsenal,” said the 22-year-old Senegal international following his hat-trick against Norwich City in the League Cup.

“We are playing at home, we lost the second game but this is a new game and a big game for us. We have to win it because we are playing at home.

“As long as I get the chances I hope to score them. As a striker it is always good to score some goals and help the team.”