Premier League: Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview – Both Sides Needing a Win
2 London rivals will go head-to-head at the Emirates on Saturday, when Arsenal take on Chelsea in a massive Premier League fixture.
In the race for top 4, there may not be many matches more crucial for both Arsenal and Chelsea than the one they will play on Saturday, with the whole world watching. Both sides are currently dwelling in the Europa League, and will do anything it takes to seal themselves some Champions League football for next season.
In the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in the 2nd week of the season, Chelsea took a 2-0 lead, squandered it, and eventually sealed the 3 points late-on through a Marcos Alonso winning goal. It was a strange match, as both sides were still getting accustomed to their new management.
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1086324656901185537
Well, now that we are over halfway through the season, both sides are fully immersed in their new styles of play, although both do have clear issues within their squad.
Chelsea are lacking a centre-forward, and this is greatly affecting their final-third play. Sure, they will likely be signing Gonzalo Higuain in the coming days, but unfortunately he will not be able to play against Arsenal as the fixture comes too soon to register him. As for Arsenal, they have been struggling at the back ever since Bellerin and Holding got sidelined through injury, and they are also lacking creativity, as Mesut Ozil gets continuously benched alongside Aaron Ramsey. Bellerin will be back for this match, whilst Mesut Ozil trained – although that doesn’t mean he will play, as we’ve already learnt this season.
Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been inconsistent in the big matches this year, and both are in desperate need of a victory on Saturday.
The Blues have been a far more flexible team this year, but that has made them somewhat inconsistent in their play. Their statement victory came against Manchester City, in a commanding 2-0 victory, but that win was sandwiched by losses to Leicester and Wolves, proving their inability to maintain a high level of play across multiple weeks. The Gunners are very similar though. Arsenal’s statement victory came against North-London rivals Spurs, in a 4-2 victory early last month, but the Gunners have stuttered since then, winning just 3 of 8 matches.
Sarri says our game against Arsenal in August was different, but he learnt they have very dangerous movements without the ball in the offensive phase, which means we need to be careful. #ARSCHE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 18, 2019
With 6 points separating the sides in the crucial 4th and 5th spots, there is no room for error in this fixture, especially for Arsenal, who will be a gaping 9 points behind 4th place if they lose – a margin that will prove very difficult to close as the season continues. If they lose, their chances of securing Champions League football next season will diminish significantly, at least through the Premier League route. As for Chelsea, extending the gap between themselves and the 5th spot will give them plenty of breathing room as they set their eyes further up the table.
Despite this, Arsenal do tend to play well in big matches at the Emirates, and they are more than capable of picking up a victory. Chelsea though, will be favourites. They have a better defence, a better midfield, and will have the best player and the biggest difference-maker on the pitch in Eden Hazard. Arsenal need to be starting their best players – and yes Unai Emery, that includes Mesut Ozil, who is always your best chance of conjuring up a moment of magic in these types of fixtures.
Next. Chelsea: Higuain is a Good Short-Term Fix, but Nothing More. dark
This matchup rarely disappoints, with the last 2 Premier League matches between these sides resulting in a whopping 9 goals in total. Big matches at the Emirates rarely ever disappoint, so lets hope this one doesn’t break the pattern!