Chelsea vs Arsenal Match Thread

[Vanig Bostanian]

Big game tomorrow with some positivity after that good display against Swansea, a side that has regularly given us problems for the past two seasons. The biggest positive from that game was of course, Jack Wilshere, labeled as the future (captain) of Arsenal, which is why I'd probably go with the same lineup for this game, unless there are some injury woes, which I don't, or some players are fatigued and some rotation is required. I'd be tempted to play Podolski, an experienced player who scores important goals but for who? He can't play on the right instead of Theo, instead of Santi? I don't think Wenger would replace Santi despite the Spaniard being in obvious need of some breather. I'd definitely start Giroud up front as well. He is our best option up front, he gives defenders something to think about, especially Chelsea defenders who are big, monstrous, and generally cunts. Another positive going into the game is of course, Theo signing the contract. Chelsea aren't exactly great under Rafa either and are there for the taking. Press well, win the game, and push on for fourth and hopefully third even. Come on Arsenal
Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal

[John Foxall]

I personally don't see Theo signing as a positive. All I care about is can he perform reasonably well tomorrow, will he start tracking Cashley's runs now he's on £100,000/week? Probably not.

Tough challenge for whoever plays in the holding positions. We were unprepared for Hazard and Mata zipping around between the lines at the Emirates which led to Vermaelen rushing out and giving away fouls. He needs to have his brain turned on tomorrow. AW needs to resist the temptation to change things around at centre-half, a lesson he obviously hadn't remembered well enough for Man City at home.

If Diaby and Coquelin play again then they need to be positionally very disciplined. I would play Cazorla simply because Podolski will disappear for half the game as usual, though if Cazorla is too nackered, why not start someone else. We need everyone to be on their game, be positionally disciplined and not do anything stupid. We can't even rely on Torres being shit now as Demba Ba will probably play.

A tough challenge, it would nice for us to look half decent tomorrow.

[Jonathan Prendergast]

If Chelsea have big strong lumbering Centre Backs, why not play Theo up front and try and catch them with pace?

---------- SZCZ --------------
Sagna -- TV - Per ---- Gibbs
---- Coq --- Diaby -------
---------- Jack -------------
Santi -- Theo -- Podolski

[Hisham El Mawan]

--------------------SZCZESNY---------------------
SAGNA--MERTESCAKER--VERMAELEN--GIBBS
WILSHERE----------DIABY-----------COQUELIN
---------------------CAZORLA----------------------
---THEO--------------------------------GIROUD---


I'm opting for the same system we used against Swansea, although this is just my best guess at what the formation was. Theo tracking back as a RW, but coming in as a second striker when we attack, Jack on the right with license to roam, Cazorla lined up behind the forwards but also allowed to roam and collect the ball from our half of the pitch as he likes to do. And then Coquelin and Diaby acting as CDMs when we go forward. At least I'm pretty sure that's how it went. Anyway, the game is there for the taking. Just gotta handle Demba Ba, Hazard, and Mata, and we have a good shot at a win here.

[John Foxall]

If Chelsea have big strong lumbering Centre Backs, why not play Theo up front and try and catch them with pace?

Unfortunately from what we've seen there's also a strong chance he will be completely shut out and leave us with nothing up front. Giroud is a bit too much of a lump but still offers us more of an outlet.

The problem with Theo is that he neither has the movement of RvP (Theo's movement is still too simple atm imo) or the frenetic play of Suarez.

I think games like the Newcastle game (when he did plenty wrong between his first goal and the second) will continue to be the exception. Too quiet too often with too little ability to be the fulcrum.

[Michael Foster]

I don't know how to call todays game.....I hope Theo brings his shooting boots and Wenger does not try another random setup for an important game...

If anything 1-1 draw.

[Michael Foster]

Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are both ruled out of Arsenal's matchday squad through illness. Arsenal's starting XI is unchanged from the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

[Michael Foster]

Great so even before the game kicks off we lose two attacking choices....and Wenger wonders why the cry for more support to be brought in.....

[Michael Foster]

Fernando Torres and Frank Lampard start for Chelsea, with Demba Ba and John Terry on the bench. There's no David Luiz in the squad

[Vanig Bostanian]

What's with everyone being "ill" this year? Is there some virus in North London?

[Vanig Bostanian]

Our bench is so poor. Our XI has to perform today and not get injured.

[Jason Morrison]

Once again an awful miss from 1 on 1 by us...

[Jason Morrison]

what the fuck was that?!

[Hisham El Mawan]

Don't know why Sagna was that far up the pitch just then.

[Jason Morrison]

we're getting fucked today...

[yuval.b.nissan]

how can a league who claimes to be the best in europe, have such awful referees? it's really beyond me...

[Michael Foster]

This is utter shit so far....

[Michael Foster]

Fucking hell...what the fuck is up with them today...

[Michael Foster]

No penalty imo..

[yuval.b.nissan]

read what i wrote above and double it

[Michael Schatzky]

well this is going well. lazy diaby gives ball away, Ramires the trailer open for miles.....

[Jason Morrison]

Typical arsenal really... Look like conceding with every attack right now...

[Michael Schatzky]

so sloppy

[Steve Dawson]

Don't worry everyone, Kanu will come on and score a hat-trick...

[Hisham El Mawan]

Our defense was fucking piss poor, and that was not a penalty. AND WALCOTT LEARN HOW TO TAKE A FUCKING CORNER YOU'RE ON 100K NOW.

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