Arsenal vs Chelsea

The battle of London:
Arsenal vs Chelsea, at Emirates 12:45 UK time.

A win would make a massive statement of arsenals intentions this season. If we should go out and win this one I`m confident Arsenal can be a title contender this season.

Vermalen back in the squad, but who should he replace? Kos had a good game against Man City. Mertesacker was a beast. Questions like this is the reason I`m really exited about this arsenal-team.
We have to be solid at the back, with the midfield chasing back like mad, when needed. Im confident the front three (with cazorla) will make chances agains Chelsea.

Team news:
Wilshere, Sagna, Frimpong all back in full training, but non are expected to feature tomorrow. (can`t wait to see wilshere play again!!)

Possible linup:

Vito Monnone
Jenkinsen Mertesacker Vermaelen Gibbs
Arteta Diaby
Cazorla
Walcott Giroud Podolski


Thoughts?

I think Gervinho, despite being poor against City will get the nod. His movement sideways is important to our squad and to himself. Maybe The Ox instead of Theo as well. On paper, they have great attacking players that can hurt us, but from what I've seen so far, they are yet to gel with one another. They look like a bunch of individuals and not a team. That said, it won't be an easy game, they still are very strong. I can see a 2-1 victory for us with Poldi and Mikel being the scorers.

I wouldn't be happy with a draw but as long as we don't lose this I would say that, on paper, apart from the Sunderland game, we have probably got the results that we should have got. Ok, Stoke were beatable but we played them before we clicked, they've also held City and every top 4 team last season, so a draw was ok.

But a win would be such a statement. We are good enough but I see both sides cancelling each other out for a draw. Can't afford to waste the chances this week that we/Gervinho did last weekend.

Not sure yet who we should play at CB nor the Gervinho/Theo/Giroud position. I'd probably go with the team that played at City with (insert name) for Ramsey. The Ox? I'm not sure I care tbh. I have no problem with the options we have available for this game.

Really hope Walcott starts over Gervinho. Even though I`v been impressed by Gervinho this season, Chelsea suits Walcott, which he has shown the past games versus Chelsea. Expesially after the two goals in the midweek, he will be confident.

I dont want to see Monnone anywhere near the team...

I really don't see the argument for playing Walcott. We've got a good team work ethic going on atm and he's just not part of that. Also our best way to approach this game is to dominate through our hard work not to mention defending from the front when we lose the ball. Anyone but Walcott is good for that purpose. As for the relevance of his goals against Coventry, I don't see it. It wouldn't surprise me if Di Matteo went a little bit more defensive in midfield otherwise we'll be dealing with 2 or 3 of Mata, Hazard and Oscar, not to mention Moses off the bench who caused us plenty of problems last year. On the other hand hopefully we can look forward to Santi Cazorla running rings around Jon Obi Mikel.

I always thought the one drawback of giving Vermaelen the captaincy was that he couldn't be considered an automatic selection. In the long run Koscielny has to play but perhaps he can be patient initially.

Agreed, I don't rate Mannone either. That's still a weakness in the squad.

This is who I think should start:

Mannone
Jenk Mert Verm Gibbs
Arteta Diaby Cazorla
Gervinho Giroud Podolski

Don't see a place in there for Walcott. He may fancy himself against Chelsea, but you just know that they will sit very deep and counter. I also considered Ramsey for Diaby, but I think Diaby can be great on his day, so is worth a gamble. Perhaps Ramsey for Gervinho, but I'm not sure that this will be a game where we need to pack the midfield.

0-0 or 1-1 most likely for me, but I think a win is very possible. A loss would be a big disappointment.

Apparently it's going to be Vermaelen and Koscielny.

Mario Leontiou wrote:Apparently it's going to be Vermaelen and Koscielny.

Is Mertesacker injured or something?

Mohamed Samir wrote:

Mario Leontiou wrote:Apparently it's going to be Vermaelen and Koscielny.

Is Mertesacker injured or something?

I doubt it. This just seems like a game that would suit those two better than it would Mertesacker. I suppose Wenger could also claim he's resting him as he's played every game other than the League Cup one.

My only worry with Mertesacker out is not our center backs, it's Jenkinson. The kid has done well so far, but is it because he gets lots of guidance from the BFG? We'll see, but I think despite being good center backs, Kos and Verm don't have the organization skills that the BFG has. Would love it if someone who's been to games this season adds something to this as they see if Mert's yelling/telling people what to do and where to be.

Starting XI: Mannone, Jenks, Kos, Verm, Gibbs, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Ramsey, Podolski, Gervais

GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY!!!!!


YA'ALL READY FOR THIS!!

2 links to watch..

http://atdhenet.tv/51844/watch-arsenal-vs-chelsea
http://atdhenet.tv/51815/watch-arsenal-vs-chelsea

why the fuck is terry playing????

predictions people??

i am going for 2-1 arsenal

good start lol

call that a free kick luiz lol...taaaammmmeee

nice shoot rambo hahaha...

They've got a very nippy set of attackers there. It's important that Arteta, Diaby and co stay on their feet in the tackle.

we look so sluggish.....but totally agree with you there john our mid needs to be shutting them down as soon as...could do with another monster performance from diaby..

oohhhhhhhhhh great!!!! come on sun shake it off!!

what the fuck ref!!

hopefully just a knock for abu.....this could do us a favour with ox on..

that should be a free kick for us...no goal in my opionion

fuck this ref!!!!!!