Arsenal are set to host Chelsea on Monday, December 27, in a match that could have a terrific bearing on Gunners’ title bid this year.
Inspite of remaining placed 2nd after 17 match months, Arsene Wenger’s squad have not accurately included them selves in glory towards the much better teams, getting rid of to Chelsea, Gentleman United and Tottenham.
Arsenal dominated the 1st 30 minutes of the game towards Chelsea and should have scored 2 times in the first 100 seconds. And with Drogba putting the blues forward just minutes ahead of the interval, the Gunners came out firing following the split. And but for an out-of-the-phrase totally free kick by Alex for Chelsea, Wenger’s men could even now have pressed for an equaliser.
The reduction to Chelsea arrived on Oct 2, and much drinking water has flowed less than the proverbial bridge, considering that then. Circumstances have improved, not minimum in conditions of match fit gamers out there. During their go to to Stamford Bridge in Oct, Gunners missed Fabregas, Almunia, Van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott, all sidelined by means of damage.
Though Almunia is not entirely recovered from his elbow damage, Wenger will welcome the return of Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott, and the presence of the trio could make all the variation to the self-assurance of a group that has experienced six consecutive league losses to the Blues.
A different component that has worked against Gunners’ ideal passions has been Drogba who has scored 13 aims in as a lot of matches versus the Emirates squad. And with Drogba getting back to his objective scoring ways from Tottenham, Wenger’s fees will fork out heed to the omens.
While Arsenal’s assault has been remarkable, and their midfield should really get a improve with Fabregas’s return, the again-line has been a induce for fret. With both Almunia and Fabianski injured, they also have a challenge involving the posts. Their 3rd goalkeeper Szczesny who had his Premier League debut towards Person United struggled on the back again of a porous defence in which Squillaci was the major perpetrator.
On the as well as aspect, Nasri is in great type and could make the change up front. Whilst Arshavin could give way to Van Persie and Wilshere to Fabregas, Arsene Wenger would also want the speed of Walcott against the Chelsea back-line, far more obdurate following the return of Terry.
Chelsea have been via a negative spell of 3 draws and two losses from matches 13 to 17 that has noticed them slip from the major of the table to fourth spot, but there are distinct indications of a revival. The champions should really have reclaimed their leading place in match 7 days 17, but for Drogba’s missed penalty in the dying levels.
With Lampard’s return, the Blues will have the power they need in midfield to dominate possession and neutralise the Arsenal forward line. Arsenal’s weak again-line ought to be sorely examined by the likes of Kalou and Malouda, apart from Drogba.
Arsenal will count on dwelling benefit in opposition to Chelsea who have not experienced a wonderful record in nine online games on the street this season, with a few matches each and every gained, dropped and drawn. Gunners on their portion have received five of eight household online games even though shedding the remainder.
If the two sides have been in a position to industry their finest elevens, this could switch out to be the most enjoyable game of the Premiership but.
Arsenal experienced the subsequent adult men in their commencing eleven towards Manchester united: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Track, Rosicky, Wiulshere, Nasri, Chamakh and Arshavin. Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott highlighted as substitutes.
Chelsea’s starting eleven in opposition to Tottenham comprised: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Essien, Kalou, Anelka and Malouda. Droba, Sturridge and Lampard had been utilised as substitutes.
