Games against Chelsea are usually tight, cagey affairs but this time I expect an open game of end to end football. Not quite the same level as reached against Manchester United but enough to cause Chelsea problems

Another big game is upon us, the fans, the manager and obviously the players are passionate about the big matches. Pre Gallas incident and Dynamo Kiev result, the game would have only gone one way and that way wouldn’t have been in favour of the away side. Without wanting to take liberties with cliche’s, football is a funny old game and things change so quickly.

Last week a patched up Arsenal squad lost 3-0 to Manchester City, William Gallas had slammed his team mates in public once again and moral was at one of the lowest points in Arsene’s time as Arsenal manager.

A week later Cesc Fabregas has been installed as captain, players are slowly coming back from injuries and the club are into the last 16 of the Champions League.

Chelsea’s form has been waving of late, if you remove the 3-0 victory against West Brom on the 15th November they have only scored 2 goals in 3 games. Even with Chelsea’s inconsistent form the media are still expecting (hoping) for the chance to lay into Arsenal once again.

I have had a good feeling about this game since Cesc Fabregas was given the armband. The players will come out just the way we want them to every week. I expect us to dominate the early stages, playing at a high tempo and passing the ball around quickly.

Chelsea will have their turn in taking control of the game and we will have to deal with that. Anelka is in very good form this season, he already has a good goalscoring record against us so we will have to stop him playing. William Gallas will be fired up and hopefully he will be the one to take care of him.

The return of Sagna, Nasri and Adebayor will be key. Arsene has been saving them for this match. He knows that his last and only hope of winning the league is the to beat his direct competition and hope that team does not suffer anymore set backs.

I am intrigued to see how Arsene approaches this game. Where will Robin Van Persie play? I like would to see us play 4 in midfield and take the game to Chelsea. Hopefully the fact that Song and Denilson are in the side will convince Arsene (not you lot, Arsene) that there is enough steel in midfield to playing Robin just deep of Ade.

Mean Lean’s predicted line up

Mean Lean’s match prediction

Games against Chelsea are usually tight, cagey affairs but this time I expect an open game of end to end football. Not quite the same level as reached against Manchester United but enough to cause Chelsea problems.

Chelsea 1 (Deco) Arsenal 2 (Adebayor 2)

The transfer window is getting closer, the nearer it gets the more rumours start flying around. Some of it has substance, some of it was developed in an office somewhere.

When we played against FC Twente to qualify for the Champions League proper, I watched on and noticed a few talented players that I thought Arsene would be interested in keeping an eye on. Slightly unknown, young and wouldn’t cost much, expect Arsene to be scribbling in his pad and paper. I liked the look of the number 18 (I think) Tioté. Played in central midfield, strong in the tackle and good on the ball. There were many quick, technical players that impressed also. The news of the world has picked up on a rumour that Arsenal have been watching wide player Eljero Elia. According to the Sunday tabloid, he has turned down an offer from a Spanish side because it is ‘his dream’ to play in England. Apparently Wenger travelled to Manchester City to watch him in a recent UEFA cup match.

I done the whole You Tube search just to get an idea of what they are talking about and he certainly does look like a talented kid who can go passed players.

It is nothing but random speculation right now, but I wouldn’t dismiss it out of hand, it would be a Wenger type of signing if it was to come off.

We are in need of a commanding central defender but according to the media we will be two defenders short. Kolo Toure is Manchester City bound and former captain is now a target of Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham. I know, I know we are going to hear plenty more of this until the window closes so get used to it.

Anyway, that’s enough of that nonsense for now.

Fingers crossed for the boys today, lets get a nice run of victories strung together, starting with Chelsea.

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