Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Sunday, 7 February 2010
Kick-off: 1600 GMT
It’s probably seen as an inconvenient distraction from the latest round of JT ‘stories’ as far as the press are concerned but like it or not, there’s the small matter of a visit from Arsenal to focus on today.
Not that any of them will see this as a significant event when they could be telling us what John Terry’s been up to on a kitchen table, I mean, why would their readers be remotely interested in a game that could see either Chelsea back at the top of the table or Arsenal gaining some of the ground their defeat to United cost them last weekend?
So, let’s just get this over with so they can get back to the mud-slinging they do so well eh?
MANAGERS’ VIEWS
Well, we know there isn’t much love lost between today’s managers but Carlo Ancelotti manages to veer away from the Paul Daniels jokes to concentrate on the job job in hand today and says “In the last game against Arsenal, it was very good for us. We played the right way and did a very good defence and counter-attack. That’s the right way to play against Arsenal on Sunday. We are looking to repeat the same result. Also, Arsenal want to change the game, want to change their performance. Tactically we did very well in that match. Arsenal have fantastic midfield players with strong quality – Fabregas, Arshavin and Nasri – but we didn’t give them the possibility to play easily. It’s all important to put pressure on them with our midfield, and not leave the space to play.”
And whilst Arsene Wenger is never one to shy away from giving his opinion where Chelsea are concerned, credit to him for refusing to be drawn on the recent headlines. The Arsenal manager refused to be drawn into the whole John Terry debate, stating “I don’t want to go into that stuff about role models that you hear everywhere. It is quite a bit tiring. We do not have to interfere with Chelsea’s problems.” Preferring to concentrate on matters closer to home, Wenger says “I don’t feel we’ve been overrun. We have put ourselves in a position where we are open to counter-attacks and we lack a bit of patience. I believe this team really wants to do well but because they have not won yet (against United or Chelsea) they make it harder in their heads than it actually is. And when we get close we play a little bit with the handbrake. They are mentally strong and dedicated. I see the team every day and wouldn’t defend them if they did not have the right attitude. They have fantastic attitude. They want to win but they have to have that final part in the big games.”
SQUAD NEWS
For Chelsea, Michael Essien (knee) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) remain long-term absentees and continue to be kept company in the shorter term by Julian Belletti (knee). However, Arsenal favourite Ashley Cole has recovered from an ankle injury, Mikel is available following his return from ACON and yes, John Terry will be out there to take whatever the away support can throw at him.
For Arsenal, van Persie (ankle), Gibbs (foot) and Djourou (knee) are the long-term absentees, Merida (ankle) and Eduardo (hamstring) are doubtful although Diaby (calf) could return. Sol Campbell (groin) is also back, so hopefully that’ll be a bonus for our forwards.
TEAMS
CHELSEA: (from): Cech, Hilario, Turnbull, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A. Cole, Ballack, Deco, Lampard, J. Cole, Malouda, Anelka, Sturridge, Borini, Ferreira, Alex, Zhirkov, Kakuta, Obi
ARSENAL: (from): Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin, Fabianski, Silvestre, Campbell, Nasri, Walcott, Traore, Ramsey, Eastmond
LAST MEETING
Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea (29 November 2009)
PREDICTION
Well, we’ve definitely got the better record in the big games this season, winning all three head-to-head games without conceding a goal so far whilst Arsenal have lost three of their ‘Big Four’ games going into this, with nine goals conceded. Against us, Arsenal have also managed just two wins from their last fifteen competitive games, so at least the statistics are favourable. Having said that, despite our current 23 game unbeaten run at home, an uncomfortable point of note is that the last four games between us and Arsenal have been won by the away side. Add to that our last nine league games which have brought 5 wins and 4 draws, and you wouldn’t bet against that being evened up today either.
REFEREE
Mike Dean
Blue is the colour
