Chelsea vs. Arsenal; Gunning for the title?
Can Chelsea reclaim top spot? Or is it the Gunners time to shine after 6 barren years in the premiership? On recent form, it is near impossible to discern who will reign supreme, both teams being hugely impressive up until their last matches. However, there is something of a form guide to go by; Chelsea are undefeated at home since Arsenal’s stunning win there last season, a streak stretching some 36 matches; and in total losing only three out of their last 150 matches at home.
In team news, Chelsea welcome back Ashley Cole and John Obi Mikel, the Nigerian expected to start his first match for over 6 weeks. However, Michael Essien is still carrying a long term injury. Chelsea also retain the prolific Didier Drogba, who has scored 10 in his last 11 against Arsenal, the Ivorian scoring against Hull midweek as well. Carlo Ancelotti has also confirmed that John Terry will start the match and as captain, citing that his behaviour is extremely professional and that in terms of training it has been “A very normal week”.
Arsenal on the other hand have more pressing injury concerns and while Abou Diaby is expected to pass a late fitness test to start; Eduardo, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, Kieran Gibbs, Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou remain casualties. However, Cesc Fabregas has been in scintillating form, netting 11 League goals and notching 13 assists.
Wenger’s main concern will be his sides mentality against such physical opposition; with Sol Campbell fit it would make sense to play him and push Gallas out to the left, Clichy having a torrid time against Nani last week. This would at least give Drogba a physical equal and also give Ballack and Anelka something to think about with Gallas out on the left. Also, playing Nicklas Bendtner as a centre forward and pushing Arshavin out to his more familiar support role would vastly benefit their goalscoring opportunities as most would think John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho will physically dominate the 1.75m tall Russian.
Ancelotti seems to have deffered to the 4-2-3-1 that Chelsea used under Guus Hiddink last season and with good results apart from the blip against Hull. The only problem with this system however is that Drogba prefers a second striker and that Anelka tends to disappear out wide, however Lampard becomes much more effective. With Mikel returning, it would be no great surprise to see a return to the 4-1-2-1-2 that was played earlier in the season.
Expected line ups:
Chelsea: (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Cole, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
Arsenal: (4-3-3): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelan, Clichy, Diaby, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Bendtner, Rosicky.
Score prediction: Chelsea have got a point to prove against Hull and have the physicality to play ugly when outplayed. Arsenal it seems do not have a plan B and a lack of mental toughness, this could be their undoing; or at least until they can find a reliable centre-forward and a gritty midfielder. In my opinion, Chelsea will be too strong. 2-0 to the Blues.
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