All of a sudden it was a three horse race at the top of the Premier League with Chelsea clambering back to battle with Arsenal and Manchester United. Now, after Chelsea threw away two points at Tottenham last night they sit two points behind Arsenal and five behind United. That makes this game a real six-pointer. A defeat for Chelsea would probably end their hopes.
Earlier in the season at the Emirates, Arsenal won the game 1-0 when a rare mistake by Cech allowed the much maligned William Gallas to notch the only goal in first half injury time.
Last season’s game at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw. It is very unlikely that either team will run away with this one.
So let’s look at the runners and riders:
Form
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last six home games having won four of them. Overall, they are unbeaten in any of their last six games, but the 4-4 draw at Tottenham last night will feel like a defeat. To draw a game in which you have been 1-0, 3-1 and 4-3 up could have a seriously demoralising effect.
Likewise, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six away games winning three of them. Overall, they have won only two of their last six in the league and are currently on a sequence of four draws. Unlike the other big game this weekend, neither of these teams will be approaching the game in particularly confident mood.
The Teams
CHELSEA (Possible) Cech, Ferreira, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Makelele, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, J Cole, Drogba.
Petr Cech may be fit to play but Cudicini will continue to deputise if not. Essien, Bridge, Carvalho, Kalou and Anelka will all be in with a shout of starting the game. With all the criticism of Avram Grant’s team selections he better get this one right!
ARSENAL (Possible) Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Adebayor, Van Persie.
This is likely to be the starting line-up for the Gooners but Wenger could spring a surprise.
Danger Men
For Chelsea there is Drogba with only six goals in an injury and African Cup of Nations hit season and/or Anelka who has scored eleven. There are also goals from the midfield in Ballack 4, Lampard 10 and Cole 7, all chipping in. Of course, if Kalou plays, he’s chipped in with 6 goals in only 12 starts this season as well.
Arsenal will be looking to Adebayor to rediscover the golden goal scoring touch he had earlier in the season which gave him 19 Premiership goals and will hope that Fabrigas (7) or someone else from the midfield area can produce the goods. There is a nasty story doing the rounds that Adebayor is being nicknamed ‘the new Sampson’ as he has lost all his goalscoring powers since he had his hair cut. The Gooners will also be looking to Van Persie to produce the sort of form he was hinting at prior to his injury.
The Managers
Avram Grant has come under intense media scrutiny following Chelsea’s exit from the FA Cup and their Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham. The fans are said to be unhappy and the players are said to be unsettled.
The fact is that things are going pretty well in the League and Grant could still lead Chelsea to a Premiership and Champions League double. A win here would be a big step towards that goal.
Arsene Wenger has also come under media scrutiny following some of his recent comments. Unlike Grant however, I don’t think anyone is calling for him to be sacked.
It is strange that the reaction to the two managers is so different when they are so close in the League, both in the quarter finals of the Champions League and out of the other two competitions in disappointing circumstances.
Avram Grant has said he is ‘close friends’ with Wenger. He has said he wants to be ‘the Arsene Wenger of Chelsea.’
As far as I know, Wenger has never said he wants to be like Grant!
Predictions
In the last nine games at Stamford Bridge between these two, Chelsea have won two, Arsenal one and six have been draws.
This one is likely to be a tight old game. It could well be a battle. The two teams have previous with each other and there is no love lost.
There is the Ashley Cole factor as well. He was lucky to stay on the pitch after a dreadful tackle last night and is sure to be given a rough ride by the Arsenal fans.
Only a foolish man, as they say, would predict the result of this one. I’m foolish enough to say that I can see a draw…or a Chelsea win…or Arsenal…Oh I don’t know!
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