An exciting clash between two heavyweights, Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge is bound to start your weekend off on an early note. Both sides are coming off a disappointing showing in their FA Cup third round fixtures, more so the Gunners and might deploy their full strength squads to bounce back to winning ways.
Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road by Norwich City with Willian as their only significant attacking threat. The lack of intent from both sides have earned them a second chance to topple the other and progress to the next round. However, the match is at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will be in no mood to lose at home against a lower division side.
Arsenal’s long unbeaten streak in the domestic competition ended last night with an absolute shambolic display against Nottingham Forest. They allowed the Tricky Trees to net the ball 4 times into their own goal while they tried haplessly to make a comeback.
The fans from North London were left shell-shocked to see their side lose in a competition they are the most successful in. This fixture against Chelsea will only show Arsene Wenger’s determination and willingness to put the distasteful loss out of the rearview mirror with a motivated display at the Bridge.
Arsenal have bowed out of the Cup with Chelsea still possessing a favorable shot to salvage themselves a win with the promise of silverware by the season end. Antonio Conte fielded the second squad and praised Norwich City’s spirited FA Cup display against his side – before upping the ante in his feud with Manchester United rival Jose Mourinho. The entire war of words between the two seem to be drawing more attention from the fans than the result.
Chelsea are going neck-on-neck with United in the Premier League and are just a point behind in the third spot. A title challenge might just be out of the question but the opportunity to finish above the other is what both sides are aiming for.
The last time Arsenal and Chelsea met was for their Premier League fixture on the 4th of the January and the match ended 2-2. If that match was any indication of what we are about to see on Wednesday, fans can expect to find themselves picking up their jaws off the floor.
Team News:
Chelsea might be without Eden Hazard who was ruled out in the previous fixture. No words have come out from the club ranks declaring him fit. Otherwise, new signing, Ross Barkley is also uncertain.
Arsenal will be without Sead Kolasinac, Nacho Monreal, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla. A return for Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey also doubtful.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea(3-2-3-1-1)
Courtois; Cahill, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Zappacosta, Fabregas, Bakayoko, Kante, Willian, Morata
Arsenal(3-4-3)
Cech; Holding, Mertesacker, Mustafi, Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Wilshere, Xhaka, Sanchez, Ozil, Lacazette
Predictions: Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Chelsea – 4/5
Arsenal – 15/4
Draw – 14/5
