The big game of the week pits two potential title challengers who have started the season better than many had perhaps expected them to. Both come off wins from their previous round of fixtures in the Capital One cup, scoring 6 goals each in the process and I was especially impressed with Chelsea who beat Wolves 6-0 as I actually rate Wolves quite highly(personal opinion, might get to their team someday if I have the time).
Arsenal will rely heavily on their right flank's Gervinho, who will look to exploit the space behind Ashley Cole. Gervinho's pace and trickery should put him in good stead to get in behind Cole but it remains to be seen whether he can convert the chances he is able to create for himself. His tendency to pass instead of shoot when in dangerous positions might be useful this time round for Arsenal though, if Terry plays for Chelsea.
Terry tends to prefer to move out of position to stand closer to the goal line to block goal bound shots once opponents get close to the goal and Gervinho might have a lot of space to lay the ball into for Oliver Giroud to score. Problem is Giroud is not a prolific scorer himself and his confidence might not be very high despite scoring his first Arsenal goal as he also missed a penalty in that game. Arsene Wenger might be tempted to play Walcott in that role given his performance against Chelsea last time out. I would opt for the forgotten man Arshavin though. Walcott with his pace only played so well because of Chelsea's high defensive line with Villa-Boas, but under Roberto Di Matteo they have played more conservatively. Arshavin can be the man to provide the bit of spark that Arsenal needs instead of relying on Carzola for all the creativity and he showed against Coventry that he still has a lot to offer.
This time round, Chelsea will be the team that will be looking to break fast and counterattack with their array of players with both quick feet and quick thinking. With Arsenal being the home team, the onus might be on them to attack and Chelsea will look to hit them on the break. Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby do not provide the squad with the defensive stability in the face of such quick play and Arsene Wenger would do well to throw some caution to the wind and not leave so many holes behind when attacking. The Koscielny and Vermaelen partnership is expected to be continued tonight and this might be the key point in the match that will stem Chelsea's attacks, with Vermaelen pressing the attackers while Koscielny allows them to run at him before dispossesing them. Victor Moses should press for a start in the game after his impressive performances as subsitutes in the previous league games and if he start, will be the main focal point of attack for Chelsea if he continues his form. Given Mertesacker's performances this season, he might be a good bet for the central defender role instead and allow Vermaelen to play in the left-back position, one where he is definitely not unfamiliar with and will excel in in this game. Fernando Torres will be another key point in the game. If he continues playing the way he did against Stoke, Chelsea is in for a tough time since their chances will not be converted.
Predictions:
This is a truly hard game to predict, with both teams having a variety of options for their positions. Arsenal should come out winners in this game, with their front three just having the edge, especially with Podolski in form. Do not expect many goals in this game though. Both teams have played well defensively and their attacks are at times suspect at converting chances. Betters might want to have some money on the under 2.5 goals market and also for Arsenal to win to nil.
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