Chelsea v Arsenal - e-Football Preview
Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert WakeFollow e-Chelsea on Twitter here!
FA PREMIER LEAGUE– STAMFORD BRIDGE
SATURDAY 22ND MARCH 2014, KICK-OFF 12:45HRS (GMT)
Summary
Stamford Bridge plays host to a heavyweight clash this weekend, as leaders Chelsea take on third placed Arsenal, with just four points separating the London rivals and Arsenal having a game in hand. Chelsea’s 14 game unbeaten run came to an end at Villa Park last weekend, while Arsenal won a surprisingly low-key North London derby thanks to Tomas Rosicky’s early strike. It is fair to say that if either side loses this game, it would be difficult for them to regain enough momentum in the closing weeks to sustain a title challenge. The term six-pointer is over used, but this game is certainly pivotal to both sides’ title aspirations.
History
The reverse fixture at The Emirates just before Christmas saw the teams play out a 0-0 draw, maintaining Mourinho’s record of having never lost against Arsene Wenger. The teams also met in the Capital One Cup with Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta on target in a 2-0 win. In the corresponding fixture last season, Chelsea prevailed 2-1 with two early goals from Juan Mata and Frank Lampard, Theo Walcott replying for The Gunners in the second half. Walcott was also among the scorers when Arsenal won 5-3 at Stamford Bridge the previous season, with Robin Van Persie grabbing a hat trick against Andre Villas-Boas ridiculously high defensive line. Chelsea lead the head to head in the league at Stamford Bridge with 26 wins to Arsenal’s 25, with 25 ending all square.
Team News
Chelsea will be missing the suspended Brazilian duo of Willian and Ramires who were both sent off in last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa. Their places in the squad will be taken by Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah who were cup-tied for the midweek victory over Galatasaray. Ashley Cole may also not be fit to face his former club. Arsenal will be without Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere, though there is a chance that Aaron Ramsey may be able to play some part.
Prediction
There is very little to choose between these two. There are however a few key factors which sway me toward a home win. Chelsea are unbeaten in the league at Stamford Bridge under Mourinho, who is also unbeaten against Wenger. Both teams are defensively solid, and goals may be at a premium. Chelsea to edge this one, possibly from a set-piece.
Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal
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