CHELSEA v ARSENAL
Premier League
Sunday February 7th. (Live on Sky Sports)
Stamford Bridge. Kick off 4pm
By Joe Finegan
It’s first against third in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon but both these sides have major negative values attached to them. Chelsea are suffering the whole Terrygate affair while Arsenal are not coping too well with this stiff test of games being fired at them.
Even though John Terry has been relieved of his England captain duties, he will still lead out Chelsea to face arch rivals Arsenal in Sunday’s big match. Terry, a superb centre-half, will not let off the pitch antics disrupt his on-field performance. Expect another top display from John Terry.
Since their 3-0 win at The Emirates last November, Chelsea have hit a slump of sorts, only gaining 19 points out of a possible 30 available. Blue’s boss Carlo Ancelotti has been study his team’s tactics from that November victory in order to gain his side valuable three points in the return encounter.
“We are working to repeat the same result,” he said. “Also Arsenal want to change the game and want to change their performance but we played the right way, we want to do the same because we can have the possibility to beat Arsenal. Tactically we did very well, because Arsenal has a very good quality in the midfield, fantastic players with strong quality when there is no space, Fabregas, Arshavin, Nasri, so we don’t give them the possibility to play easy. It is important to put pressure in our midfield, don’t leave the space to play.
“It’s a different way to play, they use a lot of midfielders to have control of the game and Arsenal score a lot of goals.”
While the Chelsea side may adopt a physical approach in their games, Arsenal tend to rely more on skilful, quick and slick passing. However, Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger is not afraid of his team of youngsters getting muscled out of the game, he is wary of his team facing Chelsea with the right attitude: “I know this team wants to do well but because they haven’t won [games against Chelsea or Manchester United] yet they have made it harder in their head than it really is. When we get close to winning, we play with the handbrake.
“But I know the team is mentally strong and dedicated. I see them every day and I wouldn’t defend them if they didn’t have the right attitude. But they do have to find that final part to win the big games.
“Last year, with the same team, we didn’t really lose big games. Before we went to Manchester United in the Champions League we didn’t lose a game between November and May. This year we have lost them but we have to bounce back quickly and show everyone how strong we are.
“I know how much the players need these kinds of wins to finish the development of the team.
“When you play at home in a big game you want to win. You end up frustrated because you know it’s not because the players don’t want it. It’s just because they miss the final push.”
TEAM NEWS
As has been the case all season, Arsenal’s injury list is one of the longest in the Premier League. Long-term absentees Van Persie, Gibbs and Djourou are still out, as is Eduardo (hamstring). Abou diaby could return following a calf problem. Striker Nicklas Bendtner is fit and ready to play, as is veteran centre-half Sol Campbell, who is in the squad.
Chelsea will be without Bosingwa, Belletti and Essien but welcome back Mikel and Ashley Cole to the fray.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
In the last 11 meetings between these sides since 2005 (excluding neutral venues), Chelsea have been the overpowering force winning seven encounters. Arsenal have won just twice, and there have been two draws. However, their last clash at Stamford Bridge saw Arsenal grab a 2-1 victory. Before that, their last win there was in 2004. With Chelsea’s home form so solid, and Arsenal’s away form this season a little inconsistent, everything seems to point to a home win.
VERDICT
It might not be pretty for Gooners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon but on the positive side from a punting perspective, there will probably be a few goals as both sides love to attack.
RECOMMENDED
OVER/UNDER 2.5 GOALS Over 2.5 goals 1.93 (BETFAIR)
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