Chelses vs. Arsenal
Stamford Bridge
07/02/10
17:00
Preview!
With the media still scrambling to gather any hint of a scandalous crumb relating to John Terry, life tries to get back to a degree of normality this Sunday when Chelsea entertain Arsenal in what, on paper, could turn out to be a fascinating affair.
Victory for Chelsea would not only ensure we enter a crucial midweek programme of fixtures but also ensure life for Arsene Wenger and his team would be made very difficult if Wenger has any aspirations of leading his side to the Premier League title.
Not surprisingly, there`s shortage of people stepping forward to offer a few comments relating to the fixture. Our Portuguese midfielder, Deco, who has had more than a few things to discuss with the media this week, has stepped forward to disrespect the Gunners chances of reclaiming the Premier League title if they lose to us on Sunday, remarking,
"Arsenal have a good squad but this season have failed in the big matches against United and us."
"That is the key when it comes to fighting for the title and perhaps the pressure and the anxiety of it all is damaging Arsenal`s performance at decisive moments."
"Sunday`s match is so important. It is certain that defeat for Arsenal will eliminate them as a rival for the title. If Arsenal are nine points behind us it`s not just a matter of that distance but the question of morale."
Elsewhere, Arsene Wenger has offered a few words about the furore surrounding Chelsea possibly affecting our performance eon Sunday, commenting,
"I don`t expect that. I believe Chelsea will play at their best, we expect that, and that`s why we just want to focus on our own performance."
Lastly, Arsenal`s French playmaker, Samir Nasri, has emphasised that, for Arsenal, defeat is just not on the agenda, remarking,
"I want to finish the season with a cannonball - a real explosion."
"That means defeat at Chelsea is forbidden because it would mean the end of our title chances."
Samir, my friend, looks like you`re about to taste that bitter pill that`s called disappointment mate!
Chelses Team News:
Carlo Ancelotti enters the fixture without the injured Michael Essien, Jose Bosingwa and Juliano Belletti although we understand that the latter two are back in training of some sorts.
Carlo also welcomes back John ObI Mikel after the Nigerian returned from international duty at the African Cup of Nations. With Essien and Belletti both crocked there`s thelikelihood that Mikel will slot back into the holding position in midfield.
Elsewhere, despite all the media flak we expect John Terry to lead the team out with a possible starting eleven of:-
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, A.Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, Drogba and Anelka.
Player to watch: Nicolas Anelka
Don`t you just love those games when former players come up against teams they used to play for? The almost inevitable realisation that they`ll score keeps you on your toes. Although Didier Drogba always seems to be the one to score against Arsenal (nine in the last ten games), we have a hunch that it`ll be Anelka doing some celebrating this Sunday.
Arsenal Team News:
Arsenal arrive in SW6 knowing anything other than a victory will seriously hamper their chances of taking the Premier League title. Our sources tell us that Arsene will have to make do without the silky skills of Eduardo but could welcome back Abou Diaby and that sprightly youngster, Sol Campbell. Also missing will be van Persie, Vela, Gibbs, Djourou and Merida, Keep your eyes out for a certain William Gallas and perhaps rue the day we didn`t manage to hold onto him!
Player to watch: Cesc Fabregas
If you don`t notice the Arsenal playmaker tomorrow then take it from me Chelsea will have matters sorted and be cruising towards success. If you do notice him it spells trouble. The lad is a dangerous opponent and one that needs watched from the moment the first whistle goes until the moment the final whistle goes.
Match Facts & Stats
Tomorrow, fitness providing, three players will be on the Stamford Bridge pitch that have played for both clubs - Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole and William Gallas! There are also another eighteen players who share that distinction - Tommy Baldwin, Lassana Diarra, Bill Dickson, Tommy Docherty, George Graham, John Hollins, Alan Hudson, Tommy Lawton, Alexander MacFarlane, Peter Nicolas, Colin Pates, Emmanuel Petit, Graham Rix, David Rocastle, James Sharp, Steve Sidwell, Robert Turnbull and Allan Young.
As far as fixtures between the two teams, in the last fifteen meetings Chelsea have a distinct advantage having won 8, drawn 5 and only lost 2, although it should also be pointed out that the last four meeting between these two sides have seen the away side emerge as victors.
Ref Watch:
Mike Dean will be the man in black (or is it green or yellow these days?)
Match Prediction:
Be bold, be brave, they always say. On paper it`s got a Chelsea win written all over it. After all don`t we always overpower Arsene`s team? However, there are nagging doubts in my mind, will the side be affected by the recent bad press, will Arsenal be keen to prove our two recent emphatic wins over them, on there patch were flukes? All are questions that keep chipping away at my belief. Although we`ve not lost in our last twelve matches, in all competitions, Sunday will be a monumental challenge and one that I can see us just edging, 1-0 with Anelka scoring!
Next Fixtures:
The media scrum surrounding our club will up root and move to Goodison Park, on Wednesday, as Chelsea face a difficult Premier League fixture, against Everton.
Se qualcuno non se ne fosse accorto, queste preview sono di parte.
Tuttavia sono carine da leggere...e se si ha anche l'abitudine di guardare le partite, si può decidere se condividerle oppure no.
Studiate...studiate...studiate!!!
..si finisce stirati lo stesso...ma molto meglio che giocare lo 0-1....per poi non riuscire a rivenderlo...ed allora si compra l'1-0...e nemmeno questo si riesce a vendere...non resta che comprare l'1-1....e poi finisce 3-3
p.s.: scusate se l'altro giorno ho postato nel mese sbagliato
segno x @3.25 pinna (max da william hill e centrebet a quota uguale 3.3)
) e non lo gioco mai. Oggi vedo allo stacco su bet365 (solo quello ho in questo momento) 2.05... io: bahhh non ci credo! daranno l'anima per vincere non credo facciano cagare cm al solito... mi fermo e li mando li 
a quel paese...