13/20 draw 26/10 43/10
Arsene Wenger’s menacing Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Jose Mourinho’s marvellous Chelsea in a mouth-watering London derby on Sunday afternoon. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are the only unbeaten sides in the league with the Blues in greater form with 16 points from a possible 18 and six points ahead of their opponents. With both managers making crucial additions to their squads this summer we could be in for a cracker of a match. Arsene Wenger will be out to prove that his team are capable of winning at Stamford Bridge, especially because Arsenal were gunned 6-0 by a frightening Chelsea side here last season.
Chelsea have already stormed to the top of the table thanks in part to their ability to score goals in the early stages of games. Last Saturday was no exception, as the Blues produced a comfortable 3-0 victory at home to Aston Villa. Chelsea are now three points clear of second-placed Southampton in the table but also have a significant cushion ahead of those clubs considered among the title contenders. Chelsea are in a commanding position and know that a win over their title rivals will boost their chances of claiming the 2014/15 Premier League title. Diego Costa failed to net a goal in Chelsea’s draw with Manchester City two weeks ago, but after failing to add to his tally at the Etihad Stadium, normal business resumed against Aston Villa. Costa was given few opportunities at Stamford Bridge, as Villa’s deep defensive line meant he often found space at a premium. Like any good striker, though, when given his chance, he took it, heading past Brad Guzan to double Chelsea’s lead on the hour. That’s eight for the season, and we’re just heading into October. The Costa express keeps rolling on and Arsenal’s back four may be in for a torrid time. All eyes will be on Cesc Fabregas as he comes up against his former side. It is no secret that Fabregas has a special place in his heart for his former clubs. He grew up at Barcelona but truly became the player he is today during his spell at Arsenal where he captained the club at the tender age of 21. In his short time at Chelsea, Fabregas has proven to be every bit the world class footballer that he was at Arsenal and Barcelona. He has quickly won over any skeptical Chelsea fans with his play and what he says about Arsenal is irrelevant. It does not matter what club he truly loves or what is in his heart, all that matters is that when he puts on the Chelsea shirt he puts that club first. The Premier League is full of surprises as we’ve witnessed good ol’ Frank Lampard come back and haunt Chelsea this season, Arsenal players will need to watch Chelsea’s new no. 4 like a hawk.
Arsenal’s draw with Tottenham didn’t just cost them two points. It also cost them three midfielders. By the end of the match, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere had departed with injury problems. Arteta and Ramsey are certain to be missing here, with Wenger having pre-emptively ruled them out of the weekend’s match against Chelsea. Wilshere should return, but given that his injury is to his vulnerable ankle, it would be dangerous to play him if there’s any possible risk of aggravating the problem. Wenger will be cursing his luck. With Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal both out, he is already managing a defensive injury crisis. Arteta’s absence means Mathieu Flamini is almost certain to start against Chelsea. Arsenal have struggled to accommodate their array of attacking midfielders this season. In a perverse way, the loss of Ramsey and possibly Wilshere could help liberate the extravagant gifts of Mesut Ozil. Wenger must hope the remainder of his squad seize upon the chance to stake a claim for a regular place. If his rejigged midfield can bring the best out of Ozil, it might be something of a blessing in disguise. Wenger will offer the riposte that his side is one of just two who are yet to lose in the Premier League. His critics, however, will point to a record of just two wins from six games and now the Gunners come up against the division’s other unbeaten team, Chelsea. The Gunners’ season could hinge on this result: win, and spirits will be raised and the campaign revitalised. Lose, and the goodwill created by Wenger’s cup win will threaten to evaporate entirely.
Prediction: Chelsea
Chelsea come into the game firm favourites at 13/20 with the Gunners priced up at 43/10. The Blues have been outstanding at home winning three out of three matches while Arsenal have struggled for consistency with just one victory on the road. Chelsea have won nine of their last 13 meetings with Arsenal, losing on just two occasions. Jose Mourinho’s side look an irrepressible force at the moment and although the score-line probably won’t be 6-0, The Blues should show their mettle and extend their lead at the top with a strong performance.
Written by Chadley Nagel
