But for Jose Reina's 90th minute error to gift Arsenal a draw against Liverpool, Blackpool would be smelling blood. The Gunners made a stuttering start to their Premier League campaign, while the minnows made a real impression on the top flight in their first game - a 4-0 win over Wigan - and will ride to the Emirates Stadium on the crest of a wave.
Manager Ian Holloway is certainly not the most conventional of leaders, but already he has shown his ability to marshal his troops for action. With the adrenaline from last season's heroics still pumping through the players, the Tangerines could prove to be exactly the kind of prospect that Arsene Wenger's men hate to face. Playing with plenty of passion, strength and grit, they will certainly be keen to show that they belong in the Premier League and will look to out-muscle their opponents at every opportunity.
Arsenal will not underestimate the challenge of the new boys, but they are not in the best shape, even if they are favourites on paper. With questions over their goalkeepers, a defence that still requires rebuilding before the end of the transfer window and the ever-growing injury list that now includes midfielder Samir Nasri, Arsenal are facing a fight to keep up with the early pacesetters at the top. Morale was not lifted by the performance at Anfield and Wenger will be fully aware of what the headlines will read if there is anything but a home win.
That said, Arsenal's boss has been dealing with continual pressure over the past five years since the side last won a trophy. With players Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas on the road back to full fitness, Wenger knows he can call on quality from the bench and certainly the passing game he has formed at the club has more than enough to cope with Blackpool.
Arsenal player to watch: Tomas Rosicky
Making an impact when he came on against Liverpool, Rosicky should fill the attacking gap left by the injury to Nasri. With Cesc Fabregas still not at peak fitness and Jack Wilshere learning his trade, the Czech midfielder's technique and vision in possession is key to the Gunners hopes of breaking down a defence. He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and maintains that he still has a point to prove; now would be a perfect time to do so.
Blackpool player to watch: Marlon Harewood
You may have forgotten what Harewood offers up front after he slipped down the pecking order at Aston Villa, but his Blackpool career could not have started better with two goals against Wigan. The powerful striker starred for both Nottingham Forest and West Ham, but was sent out on loan when he failed to get regular football at Villa. Now he is at a club that could get the best out of him and his strength and experience could be vital in the big games.
Key battle: Andrei Arshavin v Alex Baptiste
Arshavin struggled to impress on the left-side of midfield despite a summer holiday courtesy of Russia's failure to get into the 2010 World Cup. However, the diminutive Russian has plenty of talent in his boots and his penetrating runs and clever passing will be a threat in the final third. His marker, Baptiste, has undergone more heartache in a few years than many do in a lifetime. Two years ago he dropped out of the Football League with relegated Mansfield, before ''nine months of hell'' due to a crippling back injury almost ended his career. Now with a new lease of life, his tackling and positional sense will be tested to the fullest.
Trivia
When Blackpool were last in the top flight - in 1970-71 - Arsenal recorded 1-0 wins both home and away.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 18 Aug 10
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