Hienullo.com

Farmhouse of the tech.

Premier League Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal host Chelsea on Monday December 27, in a match that could have a big influence on the Gunners’ title bid this season.

Despite sitting second after 17 weeks of games, Arsene Wenger’s side haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory against top teams, losing out to Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham.

Arsenal dominated the first 30 minutes of the game against Chelsea and should have scored twice in the first 100 seconds. And with Drogba putting the Blues ahead minutes before halftime, the Gunners came out firing after the break. And were it not for Alex’s unusual free kick for Chelsea, Wenger’s men might still have pushed for an equaliser.

The defeat to Chelsea came on October 2, and since then a lot of water has flowed under the proverbial bridge. Circumstances have changed, especially in terms of available in-form players. During their visit to Stamford Bridge in October, the Gunners missed Fabregas, Almunia, Van Persie, Bendtner and Walcott, all sidelined with injury.

While Almunia is not fully recovered from his elbow injury, Wenger will welcome the return of Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott, and the trio’s presence could make all the difference in confidence for a team that has suffered six consecutive league defeats to the Blues.

Another factor that has worked against the Gunners’ best interests has been Drogba, who has scored 13 goals in as many games against the Emirates squad. And with Drogba returning to his goal-scoring ways against Tottenham, Wenger’s charges will heed the omens.

While Arsenal’s attack has been impressive, and their midfield should get a boost with the return of Fabregas, the back line has been a cause for concern. With Almunia and Fabianski injured, they also have a problem between the posts. Their third goalkeeper, Szczesny, who made his Premier League debut against Man United, struggled at the back of a porous defense in which Squillaci was the biggest culprit.

On the plus side, Nasri is in tremendous form and could make the difference up front. While Arshavin could make way for Van Persie and Wilshere for Fabregas, Arsene Wenger would also want Walcott’s pace against a Chelsea defence, more stubborn after Terry’s return.

Chelsea have gone through a three-draw-two-loss slump from games 13 to 17 that has seen them fall from the top of the table to fourth, but there are clear signs of a resurgence. The champions should have claimed their top spot on Matchday 17 had it not been for Drogba’s missed penalty in the closing stages.

With Lampard’s return, the Blues will have the strength they need in midfield to dominate possession and neutralize Arsenal’s lead. Arsenal’s weak backline should be severely tested by Kalou and Malouda, as well as Drogba.

Arsenal will be relying on home advantage against Chelsea, who have not had a great record in nine away games this season, with three games won, lost and drawn. The Gunners, meanwhile, have won five of the eight home games and lost the rest.

If both sides could field their best eleven, this could turn out to be the most exciting Premiership game yet.

Arsenal featured the following men in their starting XI against Manchester United: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Wiulshere, Nasri, Chamakh and Arshavin. Fabregas, Van Persie and Walcott appeared as substitutes.

Chelsea’s starting eleven against Tottenham was made up of: Cech, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Essien, Kalou, Anelka and Malouda. Droba, Sturridge and Lampard were used as substitutes.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *