Arsenal vs. Chelsea Preview

Arsenal face off against London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday April 21, knowing that victory will virtually secure the club qualification for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Should the Gunners oblige as expected at home to Wigan Athletic during the live Monday night action on April 16, there will be a ten point gap between themselves and the Blues heading into this fixture which is likely to prove decisive with only four games left in the current campaign.

But whilst Chelsea may struggle to reel in Arsenal even if they bag a result here, Tottenham Hotspur are still well within the sights of Roberto Di Matteo’s side and the interim boss will be confident of finishing the term strongly.

And a fascinating encounter seems certain to ensure with both clubs in excellent touch of late.

Aside from a blip away at QPR, Arsenal have racked up win after win since being demolished in the San Siro by Milan in mid-February and being knocked out of the F.A Cup by Sunderland just three days later.

With the pressure largely off the team’s shoulders, Arsene Wenger has managed to inspire a powerful comeback which has seen a return of the flowing football which Arsenal have been associated with over the last few years.

Chelsea have also bounced back to some extent following a complete loss of form at the turn of the year.

Di Matteo has steered the club into the Champions League semi-finals and the club also has another realistic chance of silverware via the F.A Cup.

And the Italian holds seriously claims towards taking the role on a full time basis after a succession of managerial flops at Stamford Bridge.

It is the hosts, however, who look to have the advantage in this match and after establishing a sizeable cushion over Chelsea the Gunners can confirm their superiority.

Chelsea still appear to be far more effective at home and their overall record on the road this season has been sketchy.

Although the Blues turned in the majority of their poor away showings under AVB, five away defeats and six draws does not bode well heading into this match against a fluent Arsenal side high on confidence.

The distraction of an on-going European tie with Barcelona could also hamper Chelsea who may struggle to stay fresh with key members of their squad now well into their thirties.

Arsenal won this corresponding fixture 3-1 last season and a similar result is forecast here especially if Robin Van Persie sees a lot of the ball.

The rampant Dutchman has shown on many occasions over the past few months that he has the tools to harm even the best defenders in the game and an ageing John Terry could be left exposed – not only by Van Persie but also by teammate David Luiz who continues to look suspect.

Arsenal are around even money to prevail, a decent bet on the whole and one which should be taken with Chelsea semi-focused on a daunting second leg examination in the Nou Camp the following week.

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16/04/2012     © Frixo 2024