A Final Of Sorts For Arsenal..

The big one is around the corner and we love to celebrate a Super Sunday in style. We have heard everything from Arsenal’s side so we thought about getting a counter opinion on this fixture from a Chelsea fan. Prabhat, a friend of mine has come up with his perspective on the most exciting encounter of the weekend (Yes, I remember that we have Merseyside Derby and El Classico on menu as well. But nothing beats a summit clash in EPL). An 11Gunners‘ Exclusive. Over to Prabhat now..

Chelsea versus Arsenal, arguably the most talked about rivalry in London, a derby fixture that always brings with it excitement and controversies. Who can perhaps forget the 2007 league cup final in which that injury time brawl between the players resulted in 2 yellow and 3 red cards. It always gets over the top, but so is the case when such high emotions are flowing within the players and the fans.

Tomorrow we have a classic day with three huge derby matches -London derby, merseyside derby and El Classico all on the same day. But the London derby might be the one to watch for with both teams fighting for the title this time and winning at Emirates could give the away side a 11 point cushion over their London counterparts, although gunners would have  one match in hand. Chelsea could draw some inspiration from last year’s 4-1 win here but the Blues need to improve on their performance at the Estádio do Dragão if they want to go anyway near that result. One good news for the Stamford Bridge outfit is that the England international Frank Lampard is fit to play. And with the form that Essien is in, they can be a deadly combination. Also with the way Chelsea have been playing at the back this season, it would not be surprising at all, if they are looking at another clean sheet.

Arsenal on the other hand have got their problems with the ever growing injury list. With Robin van Persie not fit and doubts over the availability of William Gallas, Chelsea could very well inflict a deadly blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.

This will surely be a test of character for new manager Carlo Ancelotti as to how he copes with pressure situations away from the bridge, as both the matches against Man Utd and Liverpool were at home. Chelsea need to prove their “much talked about”  ruthlessness and consistency away from home. They would be hoping for Drogba to come off age and do what he always does superbly against the North London outfit. Also the ex-Arsenal players, Ashley Cole and Nicolas Anelka would be more than willing to show the Gunners what they are missing from their line-up. Chelsea have got a 100 percent record against all the teams from the so called ‘Big four’, this seson and they will be hoping to maintain that.

But whatever happens there is no doubt that it is going to be a very adventurous and closely fought encounter which no futbol lover can afford to miss….