Schurlle-Costa-Hazard – Chelsea Likely Line Up For Arsenal Clash
In a clash that no football lover will want to miss, League leaders Chelsea will host the free playing Arsenal, in what has been billed as the most anticipated match thus far this season.
Chelsea leads the table with 6 points and will be hoping to further stretch their advantage over their London Rivals that currently occupy the 4th spot on the Premier League log.
HEAD TO HEAD – Last 6 meetings
2013/2014
Sat 22 March Premier League
Chelsea 6-0 Arsenal
Mon 23 December Premier League
Arsenal 0 – 0 Chelsea
Tues 29 October League Cup
Arsenal 0 – Chelsea 2
2012/2013
Sun 20 January Premier League
Chelsea 2 – 1 Arsenal
Sat 29 September Premier League
Arsenal 1 – 2 Chelsea
2011/2012
Sat 21 April Premier League
Arsenal 0 – Chelsea 0
As far as current form is concerned the Blues have the psychological advantage over their bitter rivals as the have won five of their six games only drawing once. Arsene Wenger’s side however have drawn four matches, only wining twice.
LAST 6 GAMES
ARSENAL
Sat. 27 September
Arsenal 1- Tottenham 1
Sat. 20 September
Aston Villa 0 – Arsenal 3
Sat. 13 September
Arsenal 2 – Man.City 2
Sun. 31 August
Leicester 1 – 1 Arsenal
Sat. 23 August
Everton 2 – Arsenal 2
Sat. 16 August
Arsenal 2 – 1 Crystal Palace
CHELSEA
Sat. 27 September
Chelsea 3 – 0 Aston Villa
Sun. 21 September
Man. City 1 – 1 Chelsea
Sat. 13 September
Chelsea 4 – 2 Swansea
Sat. 30 August
Everton 3 – Chelsea 6
Sat. 23 August
Chelsea 2 – Leicester 0
Mon. 18 August
Burnley 1 – Chelsea 3
Arsenal have close to half a dozen first teamers out, with key players like Walcott, Giroud, Ramsey, Arteta, Sango and Debuchy all confirmed to be missing the game.
Chelsea have only two players out for this clash, with both Ramires and Drogba out of the tie with minor knocks. Chelsea will be looking to take advantage of a depleted Arsenal squad, and will be hoping to pull 8 points clear of their London Rivals.
As many Pundits have remarked, Chelsea will not play Arsenal at a better time. The gunners will be ruing the absences of the energetic box to box midfielder Ramsey, who is the only truly box to box midfielder that they possess. The north London club will have to make do with the Lackadaisical due of Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere, both of whom have been known to fizzle out of high tempo matches.
PREDICTED LINE UP
CHELSEA
(GK)Thibaut Courtois, (RB) Branislav Ivanovic, (LB) Cesar Azpilicueta, (CB) John Terry, (CB) Gary Cahill, (DMF) Nemanja Matic, (CMF) Oscar, (CMF) Cesc Fabregas, (RW) Andre Schurrle, (LW) Eden Hazard, (ST) Diego Costa. Formation 4-3-3
Injuries: Walcott, Giroud, Debuchy, Ramsey, Sanogo, Arteta, Monreal
ARSENAL
(GK) Wojciech Szczesny, (RB) Callum Chambers, (LB) Kieran Gibbs, (CB) Per Mertesacker, (CB) Laurent Koscielny, (DMF) Mathieu Flamini, (CMF) Jack Wilshere, (CMF) Santi Carzorla, (RAM) Oxlade – Chamberlain, (LAM)Mesut Ozil (CF) Danny Welbeck. Formation 4-3-3
Injuries: Ramires, Drogba.
For both sets of fans, the expected cageyness of the game will lead to some nervy moments. The game is however poised to give the neutral supporter, a thrill.