#360fans: Arsenal v Chelsea - UAE preview

Sport360 staff 15:26 26/04/2015
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  • Cesc Fabregas returns to the Emirates.

    Chelsea will be looking to take a step closer to securing the Premier League title with a win over an in-form Arsenal side that sit second in the table.

    To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked members of the respective UAE Supporters Clubs to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.

    Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.

    Richard D’Cruze – Arsenal Supporters Club UAE

    Sunday’s mouthwatering fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea is a significant one for a number of reasons.

    This is a fixture that pits the two top London clubs against each other. It is the Premier League table toppers against second place, with a 10-point difference between the two. It is a fixture in which the result could either put Chelsea one step closer to winning the title, or see Arsenal tighten the gap with five more games left to play after the final whistle.

    But most significantly, it is a match Arsene Wenger needs to win more than Arsenal. The Frenchman has never beaten Jose Mourinho in the 12 games they have met in across various competitions. And it is very clear that the two managers don’t really see eye-to-eye (let’s take the shove during the reverse fixture into account for that). The ‘Special One’ branded Arsene as a “specialist in failure” last season, so a win will allow Wenger to have the last laugh.

    Chelsea need to win three more games out the remaining six fixtures if they want to be declared champions, and Arsenal need their opponents to lose that many games if they want to finish their campaign with a 14th Premier League title (I’ve been a tad bit optimistic ever since Arsenal moved to second place, especially after the season they’ve had).

    Chelsea may be – or are – the firm favourites to lift the trophy at the end of the season, but beating them will give us supporters some bragging rights. And stealing the title from their hands at the end of the season will just make it sweeter; proving that London is indeed red!

    Cesc Fabregas will be making his return to the Emirates after moving to Barcelona, so it will be a bit emotional to see our former captain in blue and playing against us. With Diego Costa and Loic Remy sidelined with injury, Chelsea will have to rely on their midfield to produce the goods in front of goal.

    For Arsenal, Per Mertesacker may be missing after picking up an ankle problem during the FA Cup match against Reading. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still out with a hamstring injury and Mikel Arteta lacks match fitness.

    Score prediction: A cheeky 1-0 to the Arsenal

    Likely Arsenal line-up: Ospina, Monreal, Koscielny, Paulista, Debuchy, Coquelin, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud

    Arsenal player to watch: Francis Coquelin – He has been absolutely stunning this season, shielding the back four like a rock. We fans have been behind Wenger to bring in a midfield enforcer for years, not realising this gem has been inside the gaffers pocket for so long. The boy will be tasked to keep Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard or Nemanja Matic quiet for the entire match, which will be quite a handful.

    Chelsea player to watch: Eden Hazard – The Belgian international was recently shortlisted as the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year for the second season in a row. He has been in sensational form and been an inspirational figure in Chelsea’s pursuit of the title. With 13 goals and 10 assists this term, the Blues will be looking at him to pick up a win and edge closer to the title.

    Where to watch: The Official Arsenal UAE Supporters Club usually gather at Spirals bar at Grandeur Hotel in Al Barsha. However, due to refurbishment reasons, Arsenal UAE will be gathering at The Crown & Lion Bar at Byblos Hotel in TECOM. For more information on how to become an Arsenal UAE member please contact Joe Davis on [email protected]

    Toby Young – UAECSC

    This weekends game see’s Chelsea take on Arsenal at the Emirates. Arsenal’s recent performances should make them favourite for the game, although I am sure everyone is aware not to underestimate Jose Mourinho and his tactics. As we saw last week, Chelsea, outplayed for long periods at home to Man United still managed to come out on top with a one nil victory.

    I suspect that Chelsea will set up to play the same way looking to hit Arsenal on the counter and thus concede lots of early possession. No doubt the returning Fabregas, who has been quieter in the second half of the season, will receive a lot of vitriol and abuse. 

    For Chelsea the main injury concerns seem to be up front. With Costa almost certainly out, Remy struggling with a muscle injury and Drogba seemingly taking a knock against Man United. Ultimately it will probably come down to a choice between Drogba and Remy. Remy is my choice, with the balance of the team likely to stay the same. Once again I suspect that Zouma may well start, being asked to help shield the Chelsea defence that little bit more.

    Chelsea’s man to watch: Once again it will be Eden Hazard. if he plays well then usually Chelsea do too. In the absence of the free-flowing football of earlier in the season, a moment of magic from Hazard can quickly change a game as we saw last week. 

    Arsenal’s man to watch: Olivier Giroud. Since returning from injury he has been regularly on the scoresheet and involved in the action. 

    Likely Chelsea line-up: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Zouma, Willian, Fabregas, Hazard, Remy

    Score Prediction: 1-1. A draw suits Chelsea a lot more than it does Arsenal. Although Chelsea have a good record against their opponents, their performances of late have hardly inspired confidence, and as with last week, avoiding defeat is another step towards the title. 

    Where to watch: As ever we will be watching the game in Loca, in the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Anyone and everyone is welcome. We look forward to seeing you there. 

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