I feel rather strange about this one, strange because I have felt rather confident about the game, I have also read that many Gooners are also feeling rather bullish about this one which makes me then go the other way. We often pull something out of the proverbial bag when we least expect it but now, for a strange reason many people are expecting us to smack Chelsea into

Its another big one and I am not talking about Per’s new football boots, I am talking about the London derby against those west London lottery winners Chelsea. I am scrapping the previous preview layout with the different sections because I do not wish to be confined to those structures today, a little like asking Robert Pires to hug the left touchline and just swing crosses into the box. I feel like waffling today and I intend to do just that.

I feel rather strange about this one, strange because I have felt rather confident about the game, I have also read that many Gooners are also feeling rather bullish about this one which makes me then go the other way. We often pull something out of the proverbial bag when we least expect it but now, for a strange reason many people are expecting us to smack Chelsea into next week.

I tell you what for absolutely nothing, I wish Bac was back. The idea of having Sagna, Koscielny and Vermaelen all together with Szczesny behind them and Song ahead of them makes me feel almost in a state of zen. A little harsh on Mertesacker perhaps and I know the Gooner faithful are split when it comes to the Merte vs Kos decision but I have huge hopes for the Koscielny and Vermaelen partnership, not so sure that Arsene will go the way that I am thinking though.

But Bac is not back (time to leave that joke there now) and it seems as if young Jenkinson may not quite be ready for this one, unless Arsene was pulling a fast one. It leaves Arsene with some serious questions about his back four.

Thomas Vermaelen is fit and is in the squad and therefore should start because he is Thomas Vermaelen. Against a fast and mobile Torres you would ideally want Laurent Koscielny to start alongside him. Those two have looked very impressive together when they have partnered each other. Johan Djourou did well at right back against Stoke City but coming up against Juan Mata at Stamford Bridge could prove to be a bridge too far for the Swiss.

If Carl Jenkinson makes the game then Wenger will have a far more balanced defence but if he does not make it then Wenger could possibly move Koscielny to right back and partner Mertesacker alongside Vermaelen at the heart of defence. On paper it seems logical having all three on the pitch as well as replacing the less mobile Johan Djourou but in practice Laurent Koscielny has never played for Arsenal at right back, not only that but Vermaelen has never played alongside Mertesacker and the understanding will not be there which at this level is vital. Thomas Vermaelen may not actually even start the game if Arsene thinks that two games in such a short space of time may well be too much for the player, especially after having to come off with ‘tight calves’ or something.

Wenger’s has to choose one of the following:

Jenkinson Koscielny Vermaelen Santos
Koscielny Mertesacker Vermaelen Santos
Djourou Koscielny Mertesacker Santos
Jenkinson Koscielny Mertesacker Vermaelen

I would go with the first choice but I suspect that many would rather the second selection. I could add Squillaci to the mix just to mess with your head but I won’t.

Stepping up into midfield is a little more straight forward although Wenger’s comments about Arshavin’s future central position left a spanner in my works. The easiest way of picking the midfield is to select all the players who did not feature against Bolton in midweek. Song, Arteta and Ramsey appears to be Wenger’s first choice trio right now at least until Abou Diaby is fully fit which makes me wonder where he is. He was supposed to come back after the international break and then was supposed to be ready for Bolton. Fingers crossed that he has not had another set back.

Gervinho and van Persie will almost certainly start in attack but a question mark now arises as to who will become the third attacker. Theo Walcott has lost form in recent weeks and his performances have been erratic since the season started. Arsene could look to add an extra number in midfield by starting Rosicky on the right, allowing the Czech to drift inside and out number Chelsea’s three man midfield, he could also help track Mata’s roaming movements but Rosicky hasn’t played as an attacking player once this season. Andrey Arshavin is another option but given the fact that he played 90 minutes on Tuesday, it seems unlikely that he will be granted a start, especially as the defensive side of his game isn’t the strongest and that would be needed at Stamford Bridge. So perhaps Theo Walcott will be given a start once more, also because Walcott’s presence usually forces Ashley Cole to put his attacking instincts on hold cutting off a large part of Chelsea’s attacking threat down their left.

In these type of matches, Alex Song is one that is vitally important and I am anxious to see how he handles the likes of Lampard and the drifting Mata. I expect Song to have a more defensive game today with less emphasis on attacking rotation with Ramsey and Arteta.

A rather interesting battle will be the Gervinho vs Bosingwa battle down the Arsenal left assuming that Arshavin does not start as an attacker. Andre Santos will have to be switched on today as Daniel Sturridge will be looking to make runs into central areas just as our wide forwards will hopefully be doing at the other end.

Andre Villas-Boas has yet to come up against Arsenal so I am interested to see how he approaches the game. Most of the top managers in our league have altered their game plan and have played a more defensive game plan against us even away from the Emirates so it will be interesting to see if the new Chelsea boss goes all out for the victory or if Arsenal will be shown the usual high level of respect that teams give when facing us.

If they go toe-to-toe with us then I have a good feeling that we can score some goals and have our fair share of the ball, if it turns into a tactical battle then it could be a difficult game for us.

A victory at Stamford Bridge could do absolute wonders for this squad and I pray that we can turn in a high class performance. That said, I would snatch a draw from your grasp right now if you offered it because Chelsea are very strong, especially at Stamford Bridge.

While many will be looking to Robin as the danger man, I have the hunch that Gervinho’s goal and two assists last week will make him the danger man today.

COYG.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up