There are many different storylines to go along with this fixture this time around. The reintroduction of Cesc Fabregas in the Premier League in blue, the Mourinho vs Wenger war of words last season, the new strike force that both teams possess in Diego Costa and Danny Welbeck and the brilliant unbeaten starts by both teams that could end for one this week.
All of these factors culminate this weekend when two heavyweights of the Premier League fight it out for supremacy.
This clash is much more than just 3 points up for grabs.
For Chelsea, it is a game that will solidify their spot at the top of the Premier league if they come out on top. For Arsenal, it is a game that kick starts their campaign if they come out victorious.
On paper, it would seem as if Arsenal have no chance of winning. Arsenal haven’t beaten a Mourinho managed side in 11 attempts and they have only won twice at Stamford Bridge in the last 10 years. The last victory, consisting of a Robin van Persie hat trick, ended in a memorable 3-5 win.
History is not on Arsenal’s side but quotes from Arsene Wenger may give the Gunners a reason for quiet optimism:
“I don’t deny that the history is against us with Chelsea,” Wenger said. “The thing about top teams is that they make history and they change history.”
Team News
The good news for Arsenal is that everyone who played in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray is fit and available. Nacho Monreal could also be available after recovering from a back problem.
Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are out due to the injuries they sustained in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham but Jack Wilshere, who was a doubt previously, is in contention. Abou Diaby could be a doubt because of a hip problem.
For Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry, it is still too early. They could be in contention after the international break. French duo Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud remain long term absentees.
Expected Line up
Wojciech Szczesny, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Flamini, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal haven’t well and truly kicked off this season. A late winner against Crystal Palace on the opening day and a 0-3 victory against Aston Villa have been the only wins for the Gunners in the Premier League so far.
They have dug in deep for draws against Everton and Manchester City but none of these performances showed us what Arsenal are truly capable of.
A look at last season’s sumptuous wins against Napoli and Norwich at home truly show that Arsenal have it in them to kick it up a level.
Let’s hope that Arsene is right and they change their history for the better starting against Chelsea.
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Comments
His arrogance and stubbornness and resistance to tactical change is killing AFC.He has consistently shown that against the big teams he is 2nd best.
At one time he blamed financial doping. He is blaming everybody for his problems.
He has forgotten he is the problem.
Wenger blames everybody but himself.The gunners are now a massive 9 points behind and frankly I can't see them winning the epl or cl.This fm has proved time and again his refusal to change his style. I am afraid he has reached the end of his shelf life . Arsenal need someone who can breathe fresh air into their tactics.
I think his appalling record against the special one will continue until someone takes over.
It is still early but me thinks his wretched record against Mourino will continue.
I am getting fed up with the fm whose passing style is the root of all the defeats.I hope OX can be unleashed and run at defenders.Otherwise its another loss. Chelsea have looked more dangerous.
Until he can beat Chelsea and the othe r top teams,it will show he aint as good
tactically. Beating a poor Turkish team is different from playing Chelsea.
Believe me,the so will park the bus and hit on the break. I might be wrong but a draw aint a bad result.Btw,football is not only about passing .It's about power and aggression. Here the gunners are second to the Blues. We will have to wait and see.
If he wants to win ,he must strike a balance between attack and defence. Otherwise if it's pass until midnite,he will play into Mourino's palm.Then it will be a massive 9 point gap at such an early stage. Then Arsenal can forget about the epl.
Of course the Blues are favourites. For Wenger to upset the odds,he shd play the unconventional way ie park the bus otherwise if he goes all out on the attack ,all the so needs to do is throw a spanner into the gunners passing and two/three passes and the ball is in the gunners net.
Drogba/Ronaldo were scoring goals for fun against the gunners because they were given so much time and space. In contrast the gunner attack is slow and predictable and no shots made until the perfect pass.By then the cavalry will come back in numbers to swarm the gunners . Still Wenger wont change his style.
Don't be surprised the so will give the gunners 99% possession and hit on the break.Then it will be another loss and out of the epl race.
Of course football is an unpredictable game but the onus is on the fm to make the gunners less goal/shoot shy.If it's pass after pass until midnite ,Arsenal will lose.
Why not take a leaf from other teams like Stoke who beat MC.Flood the md and hit on the break .I think the fm is too arrogant to think his present style wont work. If that's the case,get ready for more heartbreak.