Sun 07 February 2010
The London rivals go head to head today at Stamford Bridge with a win crucial for both the sides.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal will be looking to get back to winning ways today after the Blues drew against Hull City last Monday and the Gunners were thrashed 3-1 at home by the Red Devils. For Arsenal this is an important fixture, as a loss today would almost mean their title challenge coming to an end. The Gunners are already out of the FA Cup and were knocked out of the Carling Cup earlier, an exit from the Premier League title race could mean another season without a trophy at the Emirates. The Gunners do have a chance in the Champions League, but is it a realistic one?
Manchester United are top of the table after yesterday’s 5-0 drubbing of Portsmouth. This results in today’s game being equally important for Chelsea as they would not like to drop points and fall behind United. Chelsea have the psychological edge over Arsenal after beating them at the Emirates 3-0 earlier in the season. With the return of Drogba into the starting line up for the Blues, a similar result won’t be impossible for Chelsea. A win today for the Blues will open up a gap of nine points between them and Arsenal.
Chelsea have the Premier League’s best defence with 11 clean sheets while Arsenal have one of the best attacks in the league after scoring 60 goals in the 24 matches that they have played. Chelsea look much more stronger and stable under Carlo Ancelotti and a repeat of last season’s 1-2 score-line in the same fixture looks fairly out of reach for Arsenal. However Chelsea should not underestimate Arsenal’s attacking threat as on their day the Gunners are capable of beating even the best side in the world.
Chelsea Team News:
Didier Drogba will feature in the starting line up today, while Mikel will be included in the squad against Arsenal. Michael Essien will miss the London derby after picking up a knee injury in the early stages of the African Cup Of Nations. In defence Ashley Cole looks set to replace Yuri Zhirkov and John Terry will start today’s match as the captain of the side after reports of his affairs have sparked off a rather big controversy.
Arsenal Team News:
Van Persie who scored a brace last season against Chelsea is not available after suffering a injury which will keep him out till April atleast. Eduardo has also failed to recover from his hamstring problem. Nicklas Bendtner looks to be in contention after his return to fitness. Abou Diaby, who has missed Arsenal's matches since mid-January, might return for today's match.
Sameer Bharde
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