Chelsea vs Arsenal - Competition: 2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 31
Match date: Saturday, 22 March 2014
Match date: Saturday, 22 March 2014
Chelsea team enter matchweek 31 of the English Premier League atop the pile in first
place with a 4-point gap between them and second place Liverpool.
However, Liverpool have a game in hand, as do Manchester City who have 3
games in hand at 6 points adrift, which mathematically could make them
the league-leaders. This sudden upsurge from their fellow title
contenders was self-inflicted after the Blues lost 1-0 last Saturday to
Aston Villa in Villa Park. The match saw Brazilian pair Willian and
Ramires sent off by referee Chris Foy for questionable challenges, and
while those red cards may be justified, there were numerous offside
calls and even a disallowed goal that could be called into question
(Jose Mourinho received a touchline ban for this Saturday after his
ensuing antics). But facts and results alone matter in football, so the
Blues must shake off last weekend's drama and push on when Arsenal visit
Stamford Bridge. The hosts have failed to win just twice all year (2
draws) in league action at home.
Probable lineups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Matic; Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o.
Arsenal enter the biggest game of their Premier League season thus
far when they visit Stamford Bridge this Saturday. The Gunners currently
sit in 3rd place at 4 points adrift Chelsea but do have a game in hand.
Pegged as a long shot to win the league title this season, the Gunners
have done an admirable job in the wake of multiple injuries to
significant players to put themselves in such a promising position.
However, a loss this weekend will all but end their hopes, and knowing
Wenger he will be more than happy with a draw. It is the Frenchman's
1000th game at the helm of Arsenal, so expect added motivation for his
troops when they take the field as they have nothing but admiration and
respect for their talismanic manager. Confidence will also be flowing
through the camp in this week's training, as the Gunners are coming off a
4-1 defeat of Everton in the F.A. Cup, a 1-1 draw in Munich against the
reigning European champions, and a 1-0 shutout of archrivals Tottenham
at White Hart Lane. Tomas Rosicky played hero last weekend and will need
to step up here as well if his side hope to take home a result. Notice
the lengthy injury list below.
Probable lineups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski; Giroud.
Kick Off Time: 12:45 GMT - 13:45 CET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom
Referee: Andre Marriner
