Pre-Match Thread: Arsenal F.C. vs Chelsea F.C.

Haboob_AZ · 2018-01-03T18:50:59+00:00

Line-up is out.

kingsly112 · 2018-01-03T18:50:30+00:00

Ozil and his magic tricks man. He’s in the starting Xl

AutoModerator · 2018-01-03T18:48:46+00:00

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AutoModerator · 2018-01-03T18:26:02+00:00

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VelZano · 2018-01-03T18:07:39+00:00

Cech

Bellerin Chambers Mustafi Maitland-Niles

Coquelin

Wilshere Xhaka

Welbeck Lacazette Alexis

CarlGooner4 · 2018-01-03T17:39:49+00:00

About two hours till Hazard twerks himself across the Emirates pitch and kills us

Baellerin_ · 2018-01-03T17:24:04+00:00

Someone recommend that I go to Midtown Gastro since it's a Gunners pub here in Toronto. I know it's midweek I hope there will be some turnout. I hope we win too.

Zac_Thompson · 2018-01-03T16:16:32+00:00

Currently 2:15 AM in Aus, game starts at 5:45 AM. Fuck me, if I wake up and see Bellerin receive the ball with flat feet facing back towards Koscielny, I'm gonna snap

Techno_Pensioner · 2018-01-03T15:40:29+00:00

Feel like Ozil will play. Maybe Mert too.

TheTouchOfOzil · 2018-01-03T15:39:07+00:00

Guys we have a good record against Conte's Chelsea. We can win this!!

Arthur-D2 · 2018-01-03T15:12:04+00:00

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boxlifter · 2018-01-03T14:57:22+00:00

I'm just saying, seriously, if we don't win this, we're fucked.

AbsolutXero · 2018-01-03T14:54:31+00:00

Any chance Hector gets dropped in favor for Debuchy for this one?

SqualorVictoria7 · 2018-01-03T14:29:41+00:00

if Wenger goes for legs and drops Lacazette we really don't even care about competing anymore.

Wilmut · 2018-01-03T14:02:42+00:00

I'm scared of overusing Jack... So many injuries this time of the year. But we rly need him atm..

youngsta · 2018-01-03T13:56:00+00:00

Love playing Chelsea. Let's fuck em up!

kingsly112 · 2018-01-03T13:53:29+00:00

Never forget the FA Cup final when Rob Holding got under Costa’s skin. Holding should be played today.

wengerball_ · 2018-01-03T13:51:34+00:00

I am fucking terrified and excited at the same time. I guess it's the Arsenal way.

2018-01-03T13:51:19+00:00

Lose today and we'll be outsiders for top 4 especially if Spurs capitalise tomorrow. We cant allow liverpool and spurs to go ahead by 6 and 5 points.

ciabatta69 · 2018-01-03T12:42:52+00:00

Anyone who doesnt play like their lives is on the line today should have their fucking contracts terminated.

d1strbd · 2018-01-03T12:38:57+00:00

Nervous about this one. Annoyed I'll be working for most of it but will stream on my phone lol

Haamaimadrasi · 2018-01-03T12:04:40+00:00

Fuck yeah AMN today is the day to cement yourself in the first 11 for a long time. Big game

jackramsey16 · 2018-01-03T12:03:01+00:00

Predictions 1-1 or a 2-1 loss

AutoModerator · 2018-01-03T11:48:40+00:00

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shiftynightworker · 2018-01-03T10:50:21+00:00

Predicting a score draw

CharlieGeorge_11 · 2018-01-03T09:50:08+00:00

Need energy and legs in midfield. Assuming Özil and Koscielny are out.

Cech - Bellerin, Chambers, Mustafi, AMN - Elneny, Xhaka, Wilshere - Welbeck, Alexis - Lacazette

Walcott for Welbeck perhaps? Decent record against Chelsea if I'm not mistaken.

If Wenger sticks to back three, it would be Holding for Welbeck from the line up above:

Cech - Chambers, Mustafi, Holding - Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, AMN - Wilshere, Alexis - Lacazette

tipytopmain · 2018-01-03T09:40:54+00:00

prefered starting 11 for me:

    chambers - mustafi - holding

    Hector - Elneny - Xhaka - AMN

            Jack - Alexis

                Laca

waterford123 · 2018-01-03T07:54:50+00:00

                    Cech

Bellerin    Chambers    Mustafi    Niles

                  Coquelin 

         Wilshere          Xhaka 

Walcott          Lacazette        Sanchez

DarthNihilus1 · 2018-01-03T07:43:54+00:00

I want to see Xhaka next to Coquelin and Jack in the hole behind Lacazette.

Alexis and Welbeck wide.

SqualorVictoria7 · 2018-01-03T07:20:38+00:00

Wilshere to turn in his best performance since the one against Barcelona. Lacazette with a brace. Arsenal win 2-1.

Android_Arsenal · 2018-01-03T07:16:47+00:00

Sadly it will be 0-3 to Chelsea :(

Another defensive calamity and we will be 1-0 down early.

Then sideways passing and passing and passing.

Then a counterattack and we are 2-0 down.

Team puts in a fight. Its now sideways passing, passing, passing, a shot! followed by more sideways passing.

Another counterattack and its 3-0.

Stadium goes nearly empty, booes ring out, 'Wenger out' A4 papers emerge.

We end the game with 60% possession and Wenger will say .. "we played with the handbrake on .. we had injuries .. schedule is bad.."

But hey, Lucas Perez will be like a new signing!

GilsWorld · 2018-01-03T02:51:55+00:00

Think you'll win this game. Wenger owns Conte & his big game record isn't all that.

cptsteve21 · 2018-01-03T02:28:03+00:00

If ozil is out maybe try jack at rw with el neny in midfield. Iwobi didn’t cover himself in glory the other day but who knows maybe playing him will work out. I’m hopeful as we’ve been pretty decent against Conte’s Chelsea but still worried about those defensive injuries.

Nick_Tomper · 2018-01-03T01:11:31+00:00

supporting Arsenal is not good for my health, I'm already scared for the match. but I'm really curious about our game plan and how our player will start the game.

Wilmut · 2018-01-03T01:03:02+00:00

Last year, it was the chelsea away game, that made me stop caring about the rest of last season. I still watched all the games but i was pretty much emotionally logged off after the 3-1 loss, (logged on for the fa cup final ofc ^{^).}

We are in a better position now, so it prob wont happen yet. But im rly tired of being let down, and we don't seem to be in good shape atm.

Rly Rly Rly hoping we get a result tomorrow. COYG!

jayosaurus · 2018-01-03T00:27:40+00:00

Got a gut feeling that laca will be dropped for welbeck & we'll have a front three of alexis, welbeck and iwobi.

Sparrow991 · 2018-01-02T23:39:03+00:00

Meh. I can't bring myself to watch Arsenal anymore, it just leads to frustration. I will still be sat down for kick off but if I see some shitty defending leading to another goal given away then I'm switching off for a while boys

OstapBenderBey · 2018-01-02T22:59:27+00:00

Please whatever the formation, do not play Iwobi. He offers absolutely nothing going forward, and is in terrible form. Sideways passing kills no team.

ihsaaan · 2018-01-02T22:39:49+00:00

We loosing

Ivonzski · 2018-01-02T22:11:35+00:00

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AutoModerator · 2018-01-02T21:10:26+00:00

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MessiLegend · 2018-01-02T21:08:07+00:00

It's possible that Wenger may go for a back four, given Koscielny's injury. I believe he also recently said he prefers the back four. Iwobi has been very poor in the past few weeks so I would also give Welbeck a chance.

I hope Laca gets a couple of goals. He hasn't scored recently but has been impressive IMO. Would love for his hard work to be rewarded.

aquickcommentyo · 2018-01-02T20:59:08+00:00

Ozil will play for I have foreseen the future.

lwang · 2018-01-02T20:57:05+00:00

Considering how thin we are right now, I imagine Wenger's going to stick to the 3-4-3. Laca-Alexis-Welbz up top, Jack and Xhaka mid, with AMN and Bellerin as our wings. Back 3 should be Mustafi-Holding-Chambers. Chambers has played a PL season and Holding faced Chelsea in the FA Final, they can stand the test. If the squad can keep it together defensively, we should survive the onslaught and have a few opportunities to counter on the break.

This is going to be a tough one, but with the way things are, I'd be perfectly content with a draw. We need time to lick our wounds and heal.

AlGunner · 2018-01-02T20:55:53+00:00

9 games in December will lead to injuries. It is due to us beoing in 4 compeitions but its ridiculous that the FA and PL can allow so many games to be played so quickly. Tomorrows game is our 4th in 12 days.

Twurb · 2018-01-02T20:21:24+00:00

We're fucked

SamuraiSam100 · 2018-01-02T18:41:44+00:00

Without ozil we are doomed

Huhwtfbleh · 2018-01-02T18:00:56+00:00

So if Koscielny is not available, will we still play a 3 ATB?

Because Per, Mustafi, Chambers with AMN at LWB and Bellerin on the right is possibly a disaster waiting to happen.

Hopefully Mustafi comes 🔙🔛🔝 and gives a similar performance like he did in November.

CL = injuries is complete bullshit isn't it. :|

Ramsey and Ozil not on the pitch = zero service for Lacazette. So, pretty much not at all looking forward to this game. Hopefully the home advantage actually becomes an advantage and we sneak some points.

HortenWho229 · 2018-01-02T17:54:54+00:00

So many injuries :(

I'm hoping Monreal or Kolasinac will be able to start

Huhwtfbleh · 2018-01-02T17:26:02+00:00

Can we please not put Iwobi on the right? He is in a very bad form/ he is very bad. Much rather have Walcott. I mean, he can atleast poach properly.

Starkie123 · 2018-01-02T16:31:50+00:00

Holding and Elneny posted on Instagram about looking forward to the match so they'll probably be at least in the squad, if not the team.

G3min1 · 2018-01-02T16:28:24+00:00

I honestly hope our team finally takes their heads out from their shells and quits playing like a bunch of timid school children. Why are we giving so many teams all this "respect." On offence I want us to take on the defenders, try to beat your man and create space. On defence close down the man with the ball, quit letting them run at us while we backpedal and wait for their move. I would also love for us to quit ball watching!

Another thing, if one player's "transfer drama" can shake up a whole team I question the fortitude of each and every member of the team (including the manager). Get over it, you have a job to do.

This isn't your normal run of the mill club. So start playing like it guys!

*Frustrated Gooner*

As for tomorrow: without Ozil, Kos, and Nacho I think it will be a tough game, but still winnable. I hope that last pen didn't shake up Chambers as he played well. I honestly would love to have 2 guys up top. Lacazette needs a partner, and if we play Sanchez it needs to be him up top as well.

I do think it would be great if Cech got his 200th clean sheet against Chelsea!

AfricanRain · 2018-01-02T16:26:27+00:00

Will be missing Ramsey. He always plays Kante off the pitch.

MeEsSm · 2018-01-02T16:23:22+00:00

BT or sky sport ting ?

Zeelthor · 2018-01-02T16:22:51+00:00

I'd like to see Coquelin on to shore things up. I'd probably keep Iwobi too. He was pretty shit last game but he has the potential to be great. Whereas we know Welbeck won't ever be better than an okay squad player on a good day.

I hope to see AMN pushed up into a central midfield position sometime soon. I feel he has earned it. Probably won't be anytime soon with Monreal and Kolasinac out, though.

darkavenger1993 · 2018-01-02T16:17:54+00:00

Yeah, even a draw is pretty much useless to us. We're in a poor run of form while our nearest top 4 rivals (Liverpool) are playing very well. Really worried that if we lose, top 4 might already be out of reach.

TheMuff1nMon · 2018-01-02T16:15:19+00:00

Time for Coq at CB again. I just don't think Per is up to it anymore. We have to play 343 though, we've dealt with Chelsea better than anyone recently.

I'd keep Iwobi in. I feel he gets too much stick and welbeck has done nothing off the bench recently.

NovaSecura · 2018-01-02T16:07:11+00:00

Iwobi going to kill it tomorrow.

Flobarooner · 2018-01-02T16:06:35+00:00

^{^yay..}

Idontlikethisstuff · 2018-01-02T16:01:21+00:00

I hope to fuck Ozil's fit

Can't afford to start Iwobi in this game

Hopefully AMN continues to impress

Much rather see 4atb tbh, we're shit defensively either way but seem to play better attacking football with a back 4

Xez90 · 2018-01-02T15:59:07+00:00

Right, this is going to be a fun match. We have lost a few crucial players, but that's what depth is all about. So time for the bench warmers to make an impression!

Here is how I would like to line-up:

                Cech

    Chambers  Mertesacker  Mustafi

Bellerin                       Maitland-Niles

         Wilshere      Xhaka

   Iwobi                      Alexis

              Lacazette

Am I confident in this line-up? Nope. But, this is PROBABLY the strongest team we can field. I would love to get Welbeck in there as well, but he's not overly useful on the right... then again in current form neither is Iwobi (Ha)

Other than that... what can you do? Injuries are a bitch at this time of year.

EDIT: Slow day at work so just going to throw in another formation that may work:

                 Cech

Bellerin  Chambers  Mustafi  Maitland-Niles

               Coquelin?

        Wilshere          Xhaka

 Iwobi                             Alexis

                Lacazette

Is Coquelin injured? I can't remember! If so, Elneny I guess?

HKAGooner · 2018-01-02T15:56:34+00:00

If Monreal is back I hope we go to a back 4, I like AMN but LWB is not for him, we already look dry going forward as it is.

Arsenalfan992 · 2018-01-02T15:54:11+00:00

We will be 5 or 6 points behind top 4 if we don't win tomorrow. Win is must.

JenkinsEar147 · 2018-01-02T15:45:15+00:00

Could see Da Silva or Bielik on the bench, tbh I'd prefer giving one or both a chance vs Debuchy.

Look how well the Conservative (A M-N) has done.

Give youth a chance.

J4ckrh · 2018-01-02T15:44:49+00:00

[deleted]

Date	Result/Time	Opponent
Dec 12	1 - 1	(A)
Dec 17	2 - 0	(H)
Dec 23	1 - 1	(A)

Dec 28	20:15	(H)
Dec 31	14:00	(A)
Jan 7	16:30	(H)

Player			Total
Bukayo Saka	11	0	11
Martin Ødegaard	8	0	8
Leandro Trossard	8	0	8
Granit Xhaka	7	0	7
Gabriel Jesus	6	1	7

#	Player	Injury	Estimated Return
25	Mohamed Elneny	Knee	Unknown
12	Jürrien Timber	ACL	Unknown
5	Thomas Partey	Hamstring	6 weeks

#	Player	Injury	Estimated Return
6	Leah Williamson	ACL	9 months
9	Beth Mead	ACL	9 months
10	Kim Little	Hamstring	June
26	Laura Wienroither	ACL	9 months

#	Name	Club	Transfer Sum
29	Kai Havertz	Chelsea	£65m
12	Jurriën Timber	Ajax	£34m
41	Declan Rice	West Ham United	£105m
22	David Raya	Brentford	Loan

Gunners

Luton 3 - 4 Arsenal

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Player					Total
Martin Ødegaard	15	0	0	0	15
Gabriel Martinelli	15	0	0	0	15
Bukayo Saka	13	1	0	0	14
Gabriel Jesus	10	0	0	0	10
Eddie Nketiah	4	2	2	1	9

#	Name	Club
28	Amanda Ilestedt	Paris Saint-Germain Féminine
24	Cloé Lacasse	SL Benfica
23	Alessia Russo	Manchester United
27	Laia Codina	FC Barcelona
32	Kyra Cooney-Cross	Hammarby IF

#	Name	Club	Transfer Sum
15	Ainsley Maitland-Niles	Lyon	Free
22	Pablo Marí	A.C. Monza	£6.5m
72	Matthew Smith	Wigan Athletic	Released
62	Nikolaj Möller	FC St. Gallen	£257,000
43	Cătălin Cîrjan	Rapid Bucharest	Loan
65	Mazeed Ogungbo	Barrow AFC	£150,000
88	Kaleel Green	Colchester United	Free
34	Granit Xhaka	Bayer Leverkusen	£21.5m
40	Mauro Bandeira	Colchester United	Loan
73	Tom Smith	Colchester United	Free
44	Ben Cottrell	NS Mura	Undisclosed
32	Auston Trusty	Sheffield United	£5m
64	Mika Biereth	Motherwell	Loan
30	Matt Turner	Nottingham Forest	£10m
67	Charlie Patino	Swansea City	Loan
62	Brooke Norton-Cuffy	Milwall	Loan
27	Marquinhos	Nantes	Loan
13	Rúnar Alex Rúnarsson	Cardiff City	Loan
57	Tyreece John-Jules	Derby County	Loan
3	Kieran Tierney	Real Sociedad	Loan
26	Folarian Balogun	AS Monaco	£34m
65	Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand	Den Bosch	Loan
42	Nathan Butler-Oyedeji	Cheltnham Town	Loan
58	Henry Jeffcott	Derby County	Loan
69	Omar Rekik	Wigan Athletic	Loan
20	Nuno Tavares	Nottingham Forest	Loan
33	Arthur Okonkwo	Wrexham AFC	Loan
90	Brian Okonkwo	Leatherhead	Loan
16	Rob Holding	Crystal Palace	£4m
23	Albert Sambi Lokonga	Luton Town	Loan
—	Nicolas Pépé	Trabzonspor	Free

#	Name	Club
2	Rafaelle Souza	Orlando Pride
24	Fran Stenson	N/A
56	Freya Godfrey	Charlton Athletic (Loan)
23	Mana Iwabuchi	Retired
18	Kaylan Marckese	Bristol City (Loan)
4	Anna Patten	Aston Villa

Date	Venue	Scoreline	Result
24 Sep 2016	Emirates Stadium	3 - 0
04 Feb 2017	Stamford Bridge	3 - 1
27 May 2017	Wembley Stadium	2 - 1
06 Aug 2017	Wembley Stadium	1 - 1	[P]
17 Sep 2017	Stamford Bridge	0 - 0

#	GD	Points
1	40	40
2	39	39
3	39	39
4	36	36
5	34	34
6	30	30

Competition	Arsenal F.C.	Chelsea F.C.

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	-	-

Overall:

Luton 3 - 4 Arsenal

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Next game in: 3 days 6 hours 54 minutes

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