Chelsea v Arsenal Preview

I don't really want to say much about the game

We go as under dogs that much is clear. If we can win, then IMO we will be strong candidate to be in the top 4. If we lose? we will have to work hard to improve ourselves for the future matches.

As long as we give in a solid performance, that's what it matters

Lets go out and give it our best shot

not confident at all, just saying so you're H&R when you win

Samuelj29060 wrote:Chelsea v Arsenal, Saturday 28th October, 12:45pm, Stamford Bridge, Premier League


Gervinho had his best game for the club last weekend against Stoke with a goal and two assists

London derby sees meeting of in-form sides

The question on everyone's lips in the last few weeks when it comes to Arsenal has been 'Have Arsenal turned the corner?' After a disastrous start to the season which saw Arsenal take just one point from the first three games, the gunners have now won seven out of the last 8 games in all competitions. Similarly, Chelsea have won five of their last seven fixtures in all competitions. Arsenal have already lost at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane this campaign, whilst Chelsea have also lost at the home of the champions. Arsenal beat Stoke City 3-1 last weekend whilst the Blues lost 1-0 at QPR, and had two men sent off.

Last season's meetings mixed

Last season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won this fixture 2-0 thanks to goals from Drogba and Alex. But at the Emirates, the gunners won 3-1, thanks to strikes from Walcott, Fabregas and Song. Chelsea would though finish in 2nd place three points clear of the gunners.

Match Stats

* Arsenal have won none of their last eight Premier League away matches, their worst run since 1992; the last time they went nine without a win was April 1988.

* Arsenal have won six times in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, more often than any other team.

* Robin van Persie has scored 25 goals in 26 Premier League appearances in 2011.

* The Dutchman has scored 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League away games and scored two at Stamford Bridge in November 2008, the last time the Gunners won away at Chelsea.

* The Gunners have only been able to win three of their last 18 matches against Chelsea in all competitions, but did win 3-1 at the Emirates in December last season (excluding Community Shield).

* Arsenal have beaten Chelsea six times after falling behind to the Blues in the Premier League, while the Pensioners have only come back to win once after trailing against the Gunners.

* The Blues have taken 31 points from the last 33 available at Stamford Bridge, but have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight home Premier League outings.

Team News

Arsenal

Thomas Vermaelen is available, whilst Carl Jenkinson will have a late fitness test. Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby remain injured. Yossi Benayoun cannot play against his parent club.

Chelsea

Didier Drogba and Ross Turnball are suspended, whilst Michael Essien and Hillario are injured, but Ramires returns to the Chelsea squad. Jose Bosingwa and John Terry are available for Andre Villas-Boas.

Possible Starting XI's:



Arsenal subs - Fabianski Djourou Jenkinson Coquelin Rosicky Arshavin Park

Chelsea subs - Taylor Alex Ivanovic Mikel Malouda Kalou Anelka

Manager's Views

Arsene Wenger

"Who would write off the title after nine games? But we have to realistic, we are not in contention at the moment ... I hope the fans are less worried now. The situation is not so negative. They want the same as us - to win ... I like Villas-Boas, he speaks his mind, he's intelligent and he likes to go forward."

Andre Villas-Boas

"I have full respect for Arsene and said so when he was being questioned unfairly. His work at Arsenal speaks for itself. He is a trophy winner, and the expectancy at Arsenal is to compete for trophies every year, which I think they do. Only one team can win each competition and sometimes you miss out for a while but I am sure with his quality things will work out for him. In terms of role models, there are people who inspire you, and I admire Arsene for the success he has had."

Great Preview,Sam.Dunno why but am pretty pumped up about the game.....Hop we at least get a point
BTW,isn't Jose Bosingwa suspended?He got a red card vs. QPR,right?

A straight red card does not mean a three match ban. If the player is red carded for a professional foul then it will only still be a 1 match ban.

So will Bosingwa play tommorow or not?

He is available to play.

I think we are expecting a lot from our recent streak of wins... Lets not put more pressure on ourselves..
I fear Mata...
Just want to see us giving a good fight.. Draw or Win is a bonus...
Read talks about starting Park ? Does he play on wing..?
Park on bench.. And Gervinho with Walcot/Arshavin ?

I would stick to walcott and gervinho starting and think about arshaWIN and park around 60th minute.. Too big an occasion to start Park if we are easing him in, plus he played the whole game mid week right?

Would expect Frimpong to come on to protect a lead if we are up around the 70th..

Song will have to be on song today to contain their attack.. Torres-Mata-Sturridge is potent, even if not in form..

[Mata should have been with us.. ]

A song made specially for tonight

When they say London Bridge, they really mean Stamford Bridge

Less than four hours for kick off.. Where is everybody?!?!

TEN FORTY FIVE PM; I CAN WATCH THIS ONE.

I hope. My download speed has been really crappy, lately.

We better have better streams than midweek..

I think we will.. Yay..

Too big a game to watch it on streams. will watch it with my fellow students (mostly arrogant Man U fans), so hoping we win so that i may rub it on them lol. cant take a loss at all.

mzamani wrote:Too big a game to watch it on streams. will watch it with my fellow students (mostly arrogant Man U fans), so hoping we win so that i may rub it on them lol. cant take a loss at all.

Meanwhile, ManUtd away at Everton.. Wouldn't you love them to lose at Everton and rub it in a bit more! With you!

what a day today....it's time to beat chelsea ...no draw no loss....like a boss..to be or not to be a true gunner@our players
@srigooner;hey mate why did u changed ur sig !

GOALOL, WE WON, WE ACTUALLY WON <3

HAHAHAHAHAHA YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS



YESSSSSSSSSSS Gonna go enjoy some argeely with my Chelsea friends tonight, bahahaha :shisha: