Just a quick post to kick off the day. Individual player ratings will follow later in the day.
I don’t know about you, but I could hardly sleep last night; entirely caused by the excitement of the anticipated battle that lies ahead for us. No doubt there will be battles all over the pitch, but whoever wins the battle in midfield will surely win today.
And what a battle lays ahead for us.
Arsenal’s most selected midfield this season has been: Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla. But with Chelsea likely to just play Torres up-front, their midfield will consist of five players: two ‘holding/deeper’ midfielders – most likely to be Fat Frank and Mikel – and three multi-disciplined attacking/creative midfielders – most likely to be Mata, Oscar and Hazard. If we are not careful the Chavs will dominate our midfield today and I cannot imagine Arsenal starting with just three in our midfield.
As per my post yesterday, I reckon that Ramsey will start again. It worked very well for us against the Nothern Oilers and we need him again against the Southern Oilers imo. But will that be enough: our four of Cazorla, Arteta, Ramsey, Diaby against their five: Mikel, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard and Mata? I think it will; especially if you take into account both Gervinho’s and Podolski’s ability and willingness to help out in midfield.
But, I would also not be surprised to see us start with five in midfield, with just Giroud on top, and Ramsey, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla and Podolski all behind him. It would totally overpower Chelsea and all these midfielders can both create and score goals at this level.
Whatever our formation, we need to boss Chelsea in midfield from the start, so they don’t get into any rhythm of attacking football. We need to bamboozle them from the moment the ball is kicked, and to take at least one of our early chances as soon as possible.
My prediction: 3-1, but I settle for a dry 1-0!
COYRRG!!!!
Total Arsenal.
Bergkampesque 
Ok, here is the line-up:
Mertesacker out and Vermaelen in. 4-4-2?
Mannone, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla, Ramsey, Gervinho, Podolski.
Subs: Martinez, Mertesacker, Djourou, Santos, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.
I think we better 4-3-3 or 4-5-1..
Just wonder if we play 4-5-1 yesterday maybe thing will be different..
Go gunners..
Kos and Verm is unsolid partner.. better see Mert-Verm or Mert-Kos..
I think you are right Henry. As feared, Chelsea dominated the midfield most of the time, especially once Diaby went off. 4-5-1 with Coquelin and Ramsey extra in midfield could have made a big difference.
You are also right re the Koz – TV partnership. They are both very good defenders and quite like each other. Mertesacker is the calmer and more organised of the three and, at least for the moment, should start each game, if possible.
I still think it just was a bad day at the office for Koscielny which cost us. We need to learn the lessons and move on. Nothing lost yet hehehehe! 🙂