BOUNCE BACK!! Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview

Was so broken by our loss to Wigan at HOME!! On Monday, a shocking defeat it was like the coach himself admitted, the Gunners surely need to respond with a big performance in today’s London derby. It’s a game with so much at stake for both teams; a win for Arsenal will tremendously improve their chances of cementing themselves into third place and hence moving closer to guaranteeing automatic qualification to the Champions League next season. With Arteta out for the season a man without whom Arsenal have not won a single game this season, the midfield selection will most likely determine Arsenal’s chances in this game, Aaron Ramsey who has been really low on confidence for most parts of this season is expected to fill the boots of the big man, a move that might most likely polarize fan bases in and outside the stadium. Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin have both been announced fit and up for selection and hence either of them is expected to feature at some point in the game.

Gunning For The fans: Arsenal are expected to place themselves in pole position to finish 3rd

With an eye on the Champions league finals after winning the first leg of the semifinal tie at Stamford bridge, Chelsea are expected to lineup a pretty altered side from what many saw midweek against Barcelona, game plan might however stay the same with the blues opting to sit back, invite all the pressure from an Arsenal side that will predictably be comfortable with the passing game on home turf, and wait for their chance to pounce on any counter attacks. It should therefore be upon Arsenal to determine right away what they want to get from this game, close up all the spaces by making sure the defense & defensive midfield stays disciplined enough not to make risky forward runs that might make the team vulnerable to conceding from counter attacks.

Predicted starting XI

Arsenal:

Szcsesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscienly, Santos. Song, Ramsey, Rosicky. Walcott, Van Persie, Gervinho.

                                Formation:  4 – 2 – 3 - 1

Chelsea:

Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Cahill, Cole. Essien, Lampard, Mireless, Mata, Sturridge. Torres

                                Formation: 4 – 5 - 1