Friday 28 September 2012

Chelsea (H)

After breezing past Coventry, Arsene may have a few things to think about before selecting his squad for the visit of the racists from West London. Stand out performances from Walcott and of all people Arshavin may give him a few options to consider. Arshavin who seemed to do nothing bit jog and stand still managed to get a goal, win a penalty and get 3 possibly 4 assists?! He's always been a game changer or a flop really. If he is included then down a wing isn't really viable in my opinion as he doesn't track back like Poldi. Arshavin ideal role would be striker or possible CAM, where he's not relied on to get back.


Walcott played well which only reinforces my view that he should be in the team ahead of other players (Gervinho), but for some reason, whether it's to do with his ongoing contract talks who knows, Wenger just doesn't play him first choice. His performance has thrust him into contention none the less and Wenger has some decisions to make. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain also scored a screamer of a goal and will be in with a shout. Of course the most important goal was that of a certain Olivier Giroud who clipped it over the on-rushing goalkeeper. After breaking his duck and me thinking here comes the confidence he promptly had a penalty saved...make of that what you will.

Anyway this weekends game is yet another huge test for us, Chelsea are a team that personally I would have as favourites for the title this year. They were shaky against Stoke but overall their quality has seen them come this far unbeaten. Our record against Chelsea is a bit all over the shop, it's Antone's guess really. What I will say though, is they're unbeaten, we're unbeaten, but we are far from something giving. It's early in the season and both teams would probably take a draw given it now. But I do think there will be goals.

We have no new injury worries and we see the return of Vermaelen after missing out last week with a virus. This gives Wenger a tough decision out of the 3 centre backs, Mertesacker has been a different class this season, Vermaelen the same and Koscielny also played very well last week. I think we'll see him remain with Mert and TV5 for this match. I would also expect Gervinho (sigh) to start upfront after Giroud's run around midweek. The right wing is an interesting call though with Ramsey, Walcott and Alex OC all potential fits. I would expect Wenger to go with the Ox however. So here we go: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Alex OC, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho.

As far as I know Chelsea have no injury worries either, Lampard is fit but I'm not entirely sure he'll start. Terry WILL play whilst considering whether to appeal the FA's decision. Obviously with a squad like Chelsea's all players are dangerous but Hazard, Mata and Torres would be the 3 I'd want to watch out for (yes Torres). It will make for a very interesting game to see how hard Chelsea press forward at this early stage in the season.

So all in all it's anyone's guess really. It should be an entertaining match none the less. COYG!

Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea