Saturday, December 21, 2013

6 pointer?


6 pointer?


   Arsenal FC versus Chelsea FC
   Venue: Emirates Stadium
   Date: 23rd December 2013
   Kick off: 8pm UK time
   

   Personally, I really do not believe that this game is 'do or die' in other words, I don't believe everything lies on this game. Of course, without a doubt, I would love to beat our North London rivals having already beaten them 2-0 in the Capital One Cup in their own back yard. The goals came from Cesar Azpilicueta, his first for Chelsea, after a mistake from Carl Jenkinson, which 'Dave' pounced upon and the second, a perfect execution from an immense talent in the form of Juan Mata, who swerved the ball from approximately, 20-25 yards, into the back of the net.

The first eleven: 
Presuming, we're playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, this is what I believe the first eleven should be.
    I'm really not a big fan of Jose Mourinho playing Cesar Azpilicueta in the left back position because our left flank is dominated with right footed players, who want to cut inside rather than run to the bar line and produce a cross. In many cases this season, we try to walk the ball into the back of the net which frustrates me a great amount. Only in recent games, have I seen players such as Willian, Hazard, Lampard and Ramires taking shots from distance on a regular basis.  However, Jose Mourinho has already stated that Cesar Azpilicueta will return to left back to face Arsenal with Branislav Ivanovic slotting in at right back. Ashley Cole recently attended Arsenal's Christmas party which seems very odd. This could possibly be another factor to why Azpilicueta slots in at left back. This leaves, an interesting problem at centre back; a choice between John Terry (stand out performer of the season so far) Gary Cahill or David Luiz. I am huge fan of David Luiz but even I have no answers to what he does sometimes. His mistake against Cardiff was horrendous yet his vision, passing, movements and free kick taking is of a great standard. Gary Cahill forms a neat partnership with John Terry and I think those two should start over David Luiz as I'm afraid he may make a mistake which could be crucial in the game.

   Ramires and Lampard although I would have Mikel in contention with Lampard just so we have a natural defensive minded player to cut the threat from Arsenal's creative unit even though, I'm not a big fan of Mikel as he tends to only pass backwards or sideways.

  Hazard will start on the left flank in front of Cesar Azpilicueta. No questions asked. In the 'no 10' role, I think, Juan Mata should begin the game. I do like watching Oscar a lot and he is a very talented individual but Juan Mata loves to play against Arsenal and  I think he may score again if he starts. The right hand side is an interesting case. I despised Andre Schurrle in the first 5-10 matches, in which I saw him play in a Blue shirt but he really has come of age and I enjoy seeing him play. I believe, he should start the game. Willian, who is also a summer recruit, has also found his feet at Chelsea and has been putting in very strong displays in order to gain a place in the starting eleven. His defensive display and his attacking work rate is as good as each other. Willian should come in the second half to cause problems and deal with dangers at the back with his lighting pace.

Torres? Ba? Eto'o? Honestly, I have no idea. I'd pick out of a hat if needs must. All three are on the same level and I'm afraid, that level, is below Chelsea standards. Possibly, Ba may edge it due to his physical approach and that he stays on the opposition's centre back rather than try to get the ball from the centre circle or drift out wide.

To summarise;

                   Cech
Ivanovic Cahill Terry Azpilicueta
         Ramires Lamaprd
Schurrle        Mata      Hazard
                     Ba
    
Subs:
Schwarzer
Luiz
Mikel
Oscar
Schurrle
Eto'o
Torres


Note: I'm not one to question the man in charge as he sees the players everyday whereas I analyse on the big screen for 90 minutes or so.

Prediction: I do believe we will win the game 2-1, goals from Mata and Hazard.