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Arsenal v Chelsea (PL) 29/09/12 KO 12:45 BST

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I wasn't all that impressed with Arsenal against City. They started well but after Mancini shored up the midfield they didn't look a threat at all. The equaliser was the result of a poor header from Lescott and a 1 in 10 shot from Koscielny. City will be kicking themselves that they didn't win.

I think we have to stick with what we are trying to do. Reverting back to the old ways every time we face a tough team is going to get us nowhere.

We coped well with Juve who are every bit as good, if not better, than Arsenal.

I would like to see the following:

Cech

Cole

Cahill

Luiz

Cesar

Ramires

Lampard

Hazard

Mata

Oscar

Moses

I am certain that Torres will actually start though, and to be honest, it is the sort of game where he will get a bit more space in behind.

I'd leave JT out because we need more pace in the back line and because he will have his mind elsewhere this week.

Even if we lose, if we can see continued signs of us moving in the right direction then I'm OK with it.

 
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I think too much is being made of the 3-5 last season. It was 3-3 and the tie was delicately poised until JT slipped and allowed them a goal. We were forced to push on and they scored another because we threw so many men forward for the equaliser.

Also RVP hardly ran riot, one of his goals was capitalising on a slip, and another was a counter-attack tap in after Walcott’s hard work.

 
ethicalstrategy said:
I wasn't all that impressed with Arsenal against City. They started well but after Mancini shored up the midfield they didn't look a threat at all. The equaliser was the result of a poor header from Lescott and a 1 in 10 shot from Koscielny. City will be kicking themselves that they didn't win.

I think we have to stick with what we are trying to do. Reverting back to the old ways every time we face a tough team is going to get us nowhere.

We coped well with Juve who are every bit as good, if not better, than Arsenal.

I would like to see the following:

Cech

Cole

Cahill

Luiz

Cesar

Ramires

Lampard

Hazard

Mata

Oscar

Moses

I am certain that Torres will actually start though, and to be honest, it is the sort of game where he will get a bit more space in behind.

I'd leave JT out because we need more pace in the back line and because he will have his mind elsewhere this week.

Even if we lose, if we can see continued signs of us moving in the right direction then I'm OK with it.
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Yeah, I don't think a Ramires-Lampard pivot is the way to go against Arsenal.

 
By all means. We all know they both like to attack a lot and thus leave us open on the counter attack. Of course, one could always stay back while the other goes forward but neither are specialists at breaking up play, nor do we know if they have the discipline to play such a role (though Ramires did it well against Stoke, granted but Lampard hasn't shown this yet except for a period against Juve). This is where Mikel could be useful especially if we have a lead to slow the tempo of the game down. We haven't seen Lampard and Ramires properly play yet in the pivot together (unless I have bad memory) and I don't think this is the game to test it out.

Another thing is that while playing Ramires on the wing is usually a bad idea and not his preferred position, it may actually be useful against Arsenal with his pace on the counter attack doing damage to their high line. He could also be used as an advanced midfielder to press their midfield as PloKoon mentioned.

Just my thoughts.

 
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This is going to be a tough game and a good one for the neutral I think. I would hate to see Robbie go overly defensive but I have my suspicions that he will unfortunately.

I think a midfield two of Mikel and Lampard in midfield would get exposed for their lack of legs in the middle so Ramires central is essential in this game. Oscar doesn't get enough credit for his defensive work. The boy can press and make himself a nuisance as well as anybody plus he has the ability going forward.

If I had my way I'd go 4-3-3 here:

Cech

​



Ivanovic Luiz Terry Cole

​



Ramires Mikel Oscar

​



Mata Sturridge Hazard

​


Moses could be an option for this game. I watched the Arsenal vs Wigan game last season and he caused them all sorts of problems. I would trust him to have the beating of Gibbs or Jenkinson all day long. Depending on how he gets on against Wolves midweek he could be a real option. But the thing is who do you drop? I can't see Mata or Hazard not starting. Oscar, I feel deserves to after two strong performances, but it will most certainly be Lampard.

I'd hate to see Betrand and Ramires playing wide and I am afriad that's what Robbie may do.

 
I will except a draw but really really want a win, we didn't get enough wins against the top teams in the league last season.

 
I would go for a 4-3-3 formation and this starting eleven:

-------------------Cech---------------------

----Ivan-----Luiz-----Terry-------Cole

------------------Mikel-------------------

-----------Rami-------Mata------------

---Moses-----Studge-------Hazard

A 4-2-3-1 would also suit this lineup

-------------------Cech---------------------

----Ivan-----Luiz-----Terry-------Cole

-------------Mikel-----Rami--------------

Moses----------Mata-----------Hazard

----------------Sturridge-----------------

 
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A draw would do,without the drog,and I still think we are trying to find our feet,a draw will be the best we will get out of the game

 
I really want to see Cesar tomorrow before I post a team, but Terry, Cole, Lampard, Hazard,Torres and Cech are all probable starts in the eyes of RDM. I would advocate Moses to start, to give us width and a physical presence against Arsenal.

So I would expect

.........................Cech

?????.......Terry.......????.....Cole

...............????..........Lampard

Moses..............????..............Hazard

......................Torres.

Maybe have Mata out on the left and hazard in the middle, maybe have neither Mikel nor Ramires, and start Oscar back alongside Lampard. I do think Ivan will be the RB and Luiz will partner JT. but not sure

 
if oscar plays, (and i think he will) I wonder who their hatchet man will be to curtail him seeing as song has been sold

 
------------------Cech-------------------

Ivanovic---Cahill-----Terry------Cole

-------------------Romeu*---------------

-----------Ramires----Oscar----------

--Moses--------------------------Hazard--

-----------------Sturridge----------------

*never gonna happen

 
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Going by their early season form, I think we're in for a tough night against Le Arse. If we play Mikel and Lampard in the middle, we'd be completely over run by Cazorla, Diaby, Ramsey and the likes. Ramires would be a good bet but his touch leaves a lot to be desired and against a side which likes to press a lot, he could also be a liability. I would love to see Oscar alongside Mikel to give us an assured presence in front of the defense. He would also help take the ball out of defense which would mean less number of long punts from Cech.

We have enough fire power to trouble any defense in the world and although Arsenal's defense has improved a lot of late, I think we can trouble them all day long.

Hope to see Moses start to give directness and strength.

 
Seen lampard rested tonight, Its 100% if it wasnt already that he will start

 
From Chelsea FC twitter: Newton says Sturridge is 50-50 to be fit for the Arsenal game & Lampard's minor ankle injury will need to be assessed too

 
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