It’s getting closer and closer to Christmas, with festive films plaguing the TV guide, but it is Monday’s encounter between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium that undoubtedly provides the biggest blockbuster at this gleeful time of the year. Packed with fascinating subplots and renowned stars, the match could have been produced in Hollywood, yet North London will play host to the proceedings and if Arsène Wenger has his way, will also play host to a home victory. Wenger will have to receive a lot of luck to claim maximum points, though, as he has never beaten his opposite number, José Mourinho, in any of their previous eight meetings, but the affair on Monday will be as good a chance to achieve that elusive first victory as any.
For the most part, Arsenal have occupied the top spot, or thereabouts, and have boasted their title credentials at every available opportunity, whilst Chelsea, although very much title contenders, have been overshadowed by disappointing results given the hysteria caused by The Special One’s return to Stamford Bridge. Regardless of how impressive, or unimpressive, they’ve been this season, there is still a long time for both sides to improve or, equally, decline in quality; we haven’t reached the halfway point yet.
Arsenal to bounce back?
Arsenal, perennial losers of the title race since leaving Highbury, have surprised everyone with their widespread sharpness and ability to pluck out results when they’re not at their best this season, yet have only picked up one point out of a possible six in their last two games, significantly against teams up at the top with them; Everton and Manchester City. Undone by a late wonder strike from Gerard Deulofeu against the Toffees, the two dropped points may come back to haunt the Gunners, as now, more than ever, defeating teams around them is absolutely imperative. Losing to the bookies favourite to win the league in their following domestic fixture, Manchester City, amplified the pressure instead of easing it and it’s now up to the players to put an explanation mark on their challenge for the Premier League crown.
Mesut Özil will be looking to silence doubters, after being scapegoated for the 6-3 drubbing at the Etihad Stadium after an almost invisible display in the hole. Not thanking the travelling fans for their support and then subsequently being barked at by compatriot Per Mertesacker capped off a largely disappointing day for Arsenal’s record signing. Despite taking criticism, you’d be somewhat greedy to complain at his productivity; Özil has made the second most assists in the Premier League this season, creating seven goals, and is Arsenal’s third top-scorer domestically, hitting the back of the net on four occasions. Many have pointed out that the 25-year-old’s biggest flaw is that he doesn’t perform to his usual world-class standards against the ‘bigger’ sides and you could argue that this is true. Against Manchester United and Manchester City, Özil was a no-show and offered very little in terms of a presence behind Olivier Giroud and as the team’s prime creative outlet, however the ex-Real Madrid player has a massive opportunity to prove his worth against his former manager at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mourinho. If there’s space to do damage, you can guarantee that Özil will exploit and if there’s not, with a chip on his shoulder, you can guarantee he’ll find a way of making it; that’s what you get for £42.5m.
Will Chelsea prove critics wrong?
José Mourinho doesn’t take half-measures. If one of his players doesn’t approve of his philosophies, they won’t play. If one of his players critique his management style to the press, they won’t play. If one of his players attend the Christmas party of their next opponents and fierce rivals, they certainly will not play. It’s earned him success and, albeit rarely, failure over the course of his career, but also personal battles with other managers. Arsène Wenger is no exception to this and every time their sides meet, what follows is infrequently pleasant, at least this was the case during Mourinho’s first stint with Chelsea. Strangely, the war is slightly subdued and doesn’t carry the same animosity it did previously, perhaps thanks to maturity. Could this be a smokescreen for an acrimonious aftermath? It’s anyone’s guess, though José will be drilling his team to win emphatically. Losing to Sunderland, thus crashing out of the Capital One Cup at the quarter-final stage, has cast doubt into the minds of supporters and now quiet football observers who I initially pipped the Blues for unbridled success on all fronts. The West Londoners will not be thinking of Tuesday’s defeat, but instead taking the imitative that a victory would take them to level on top with Liverpool on Christmas Day, a positive omen for the eventual outcome in May.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsène Wenger will be delighted to have Lukas Podolski back at his disposal, returning from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since August. Laurent Koscielny has not yet recovered from the laceration on his left knee sustained against Manchester City; Thomas Vermaelen will deputise. Jack Wilshere picked up a two match ban for his gesture to Manchester City fans at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, so is ineligible for selection. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain [knee], Yaya Sanogo [back] and Abou Diaby [ACL] are all unavailable.
Predicted line-up: Szczęsny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Flamini, Walcott, Özil, Cazorla, Giroud.
Chelsea
Michael Essien picked up his fifth booking of the season against Sunderland, which means that he’s suspended for Monday’s match. Mourinho announced that Ashley Cole would not be “on the bench or at home” as a consequence to attending Arsenal’s Christmas party and Ryan Bertrand is out with a knee injury, which means César Azpilicueta will shift from right-back to left-back. Marco van Ginkel [ACL] is unavailable.
Predicted line-up: Čech, Ivanović, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Lampard, Schürrle, Mata, Hazard, Torres.
Betting Tips
1. Theo Walcott bagged a brace against Manchester City last weekend: will he score again? Walcott is 21/10 to score at any time. BET ON THIS MARKET.
2. Arsenal’s defence has been solid this season, but will they be able to stop Chelsea? Mertesacker and co. are 11/5 to keep a clean sheet. BET ON THIS MARKET
3. André Schürrle has been in fine form as of a late: will he carry his momentum into Monday’s game at the Emirates? Schürrle is 16/5 to score first. BET ON THIS MARKET
4. Arsène Wenger has never beaten José Mourinho: will he get his first win over the Chelsea boss? Arsenal are 7/5 to claim three points.
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5. Mesut Özil has received a lot of stick for the poor standard of his recent performances: will he silence the doubters? Özil is 10/1 to win the Man of the Match award.
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