The oppressed Vs the man who oppresses, the specialist in failure Vs the man who has excelled in 4 different countries, more specifically speaking, this fixture has turned out to be a battle of Arsene Wenger Vs Jose Mourinho. While Arsenal and Chelsea will go head to head on Sunday, the focus will be shifted from the ground to the dug-out, from the goals to the statements and more importantly from the players to their managers. Thus, when Arsenal and Chelsea will go head to head on Sunday, football might change its scheme from being 11v11 to 12v12.
Looking at the rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho, this fixture has every ingredient to turn a normal 11v11 football match into a 12 vs 12 encounter
A win would be important for both teams but, it would be a celebrated occasion more at the Emirates than it would be at Stamford Bridge. While a win for Chelsea would all but guarantee them lifting title before the end of this season, a win for Arsenal, at best, can delay the celebration plans of the blues.
Thus, while a win would be palatable for Chelsea, another rubbing of salts on the wounds of Mr. Wenger, a win in this fixture for Arsene Wenger would be celebrated in equivalence to the plans of title winning ceremony of Chelsea.
With all due respect to the Wenger Vs Mourinho rivalry, question arises what makes it so special after-all. Yes, it has been a rivalry of two top clubs and their managers, yes both of these clubs remain in the same city and have a house-dividing audience among them, but we as football fans have been used to seeing these kind of rivalries before. Remember Rafael Benetiz Vs Sir Alex? So what makes it so special?
The answer lies in that argument which erupted between Mourinho and Wenger on the sideline on October the 5th last year. While those sort of arguments are a part of modern rivalries, the physical thing that followed suit in that case was something new to the English fan. While Mourinho would have said something to take a dig at the Frenchman, the tie-grabbing which was followed by the shoving of Jose Mourinho from Mr. Wenger epitomized the concept of this rivalry.
Here are the team news of both sides: –
Chelsea
As indicated by Jose Mourinho in his pre-match conference, the Portuguese has a fully fit squad to choose from, with the exception of Loic Remy and Diego Costa. While both of them have been ruled out of this fixture, Didier Drogba might get another chance to inflict misery at the Arsenal faithful on Sunday.
Arsenal:
With Jack Wilshere back from his injury along with Gabriel Paulista, Arsene Wenger would have a reasonably fit squad to choose from. However, with Per Mertesacker doubtful and Alex Chamberlain sidelined, the Gunners boss will have to make a few altercations in choosing his best 11 to face City. In the absence of the German World Champion, Paulista is expected to start alongside the Frenchman Laurent Koscielny.
Stats:
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Chelsea have lost just 1 match in the Barclays Premier League in 2015. The defeat came way back at the start of New Year at White Hart Lane.
• Didier Drogba has scored 8 goals in 11 Premier League appearances Vs Arsenal. Against no team has he managed more.
• In his 12 matches against Arsene Wenger in all competitions, Jose Mourinho hasn’t lost a single match – winning 7 in the process.
• When these two teams last met in the Premier League back in October, Arsenal failed to manage a single shot on target.
Probable lineups:
Arsenal:
Ospina – Paulista – Koscielny – Bellerin – Monreal – Coquelin – Cazorla – Sanchez – Ozil – Ramsey – Giroud
Chelsea:
Courtois – Terry – Ivanovic – Cahill – Azpilicueta – Fabregas – Matic – Zouma – Hazard – Oscar – Drogba
Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Probable lineups, Stats and Team News
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