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Football Update: Looking ahead at the London Derby- Arsenal vs. Chelsea

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Football Update: Looking ahead at the London Derby- Arsenal vs. Chelsea
This Monday, the Emirates Stadium in North London witnesses the 175th meeting between these two formidable opponents – Arsenal versus Chelsea.
The Gunners look to rediscover their way after a disappointing couple of months. After losing to their historic rivals Manchester United at home and finishing second in the Champions League group stages, Arsene Wenger and his men are arguably still in contention
in either competition.
Chelsea on the other hand, after an impressive start to defend their title this term, have looked lack-lustred in recent meetings; dropping points at regular intervals. However, that too looks to be improved as their talisman midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097 makes
his comeback after injury. The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 midfielder has not featured for the Blues since August.
“Sometimes we seem scared of losing these big games. We don't really go for it and we're tempted to drop back and see what the opposition will do.”
warned Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal skipper.
Chelsea seem to be one of the most tough opponents for the North Londoners. Didier Drogba comes to the forefront. The Ivory Coast international has scored a total of 13 goals in as many games against the Gunners and seems to be an answered question for Wenger’s
defensive plans.
The Blues have lost only twice in their previous 18 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions. They have scored a total of 11 goals in the last 4 meetings and have conceded only once – It has been 290 minutes of game time since http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicklas-Bendtner-c27726 scored against
the defending champions. Also, Chelsea are the first side to have secured victories in the past 4 consecutive clashes with Arsenal – http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 last achieved that feat in 1998.
Present form in the League for either parties:
Arsenal, who have been impressive at the Emirates since its inauguration in 2007, have lost 3 games at home this term – Only West Ham have a worse home record. Interestingly, no side that has gone on to win the Premier League has dropped more than 10 points
since the Gunners themselves, won the league in 2002. Wenger’s side also reflect rather abysmal stats against the top 2 (http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 and Manchester United) as they have lost 10 times and drawn only once in their previous 11 encounters with the heavyweights. On
the up side, Arsenal are yet to concede a goal in the first 25 minutes of a game this term.
Chelsea on the other hand reflects relatively better readings. Didier Drogba has scored more goals against Arsenal than any other side. On the downside however, his strike partner, Nicolas Anelka has failed to register his name on the score sheet in nearly
ten hours of football in the league. The Blues’ poor showing of managing to get 6 points in their last 7 games has been a club low since 1998 – A season that saw them take 4th spot.
The leading goal scorer for Arsenal is http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044
and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Florent-Malouda-c13838 are tied with 8 goals apiece in 7 league meetings.
Mark Clattenburg is set to mediate the all important fight for second place on Monday. He will be assisted by Scott Ledger and Martin Yerby. The fourth official shall be http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lee-c21860 Probert.
 
The previous Premier League match line-ups for both clubs are as follows:
Arsenal (L0-1 v Man Utd, a): Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Squillaci, Clichy, Rosicky (Fabregas 64), Nasri, A Song, Wilshere (Van Persie 64), Arshavin (Walcott 77), Chamakh, Subs not used: Fabianski, Djourou, Denilson, Bendtner
 
Chelsea (D1-1 v Tottenham, a): Cech, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramires-c30523, Mikel (Drogba 46), Essien, Kalou (Sturridge 68), Anelka, Malouda (Lampard 77). Subs not used: Turnbull, Van Aanholt, Bruma, McEachran.
 
Despite Chelsea dominating stats in recent history, it is still bound to be a mouth watering prospect which is bound to get Alex Ferguson and his men glued to the television screen.

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