Following the debacle at Villa Park last week, Chelsea host Arsenal in this Saturday’s afternoon fixture. The defeat against Aston Villa in the game marred by controversial refereeing decisions set the Blues on back-foot in their bid for the Premier League title. With Liverpool and Manchester City closing in, Chelsea need full three points against Arsene Wenger’s men to ensure that they don’t fall back further.
Jose Mourinho will be watching from the stands, after he was sent off by Chris Foy and consequently charged by the FA.
DATE & TIME: March 22, 2014 at 07:45 EST; March 22, 2014 at 12:45 GMT; March 22, 2014 at 13:45 WAT; March 22, 2014 at 14:45 CAT; March 22, 2014 at 15:45 EAT; March 22, 2014 at 18:15 IST.
VENUE: Stamford Bridge, London, England.
TV/STREAMING NEWS: The match will be telecast live on Fox Sports 1 in Australia, Sportsnet East/West/Pacific/Ontario in Canada, beIN Sports Arabia 1 HD in Egypt, Canal+ Sport in France, Star Sports 4 & Star Sports HD2 in India, Fox Sports HD in Italy, J Sports 4 in Japan, Astro Supersport in Malaysia, Fox Sports 2 in Netherlands, Canal+ Fútbol HD, Gol T & Gol Stadium in Spain, beIN Sports Arabia 1 HD in UAE, BT Sport 1 in UK and NBCSN in USA.
Chelsea TV will have live audio of the game.
The match is available on NBC Sports Live Extra in USA.
You can also catch the game on BBC Radio 5 Live if you’re in UK or TalkSport Radio in Australia, Canada, Malaysia or USA.
CHELSEA FC SQUAD NEWS: Chelsea are in a little bit of soup, with both Willian and Ramires suspended. Marco van Ginkel is yet to regain match fitness.
Predicted Starting XI: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Luiz, Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard, Eto’o.
ARSENAL FC SQUAD NEWS: Arsenal have quite a few injury concerns in Kim Kallstrom(back), Aaron Ramsey(thigh), Mesut Ozil(hamstring), Jack Wilshere(foot), Theo Walcott(knee) and Abou Diaby(knee).
Predicted Starting XI: Szcezesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Flamini, Rosicky, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.
REFEREE: Andre Marriner.
FORM INDEX: Chelsea – WDWWWL; Arsenal – WLDWLW.
FUN TRIVIA:
- Chelsea are undefeated in their last 24 home matches in the Premier League.
- Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 home matches in the Premier League.
- It will be Arsene Wenger’s 1000th game in charge at Arsenal. Intriguingly, Wenger lost his 500th game in charge at Arsenal to none other than Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.
- Chelsea are undefeated in their last 5 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
Chelsea need three points. Arsenal are a difficult proposition but both teams are missing key players owing to injury and suspensions. The game promises to be an exciting spectacle and the result will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the Premier League title.
Good starting line up except Luiz hs to replaced by Lampard or Mikeal. It is a game to win not to draw so playing with z other 2 is better. As I hv seen Luiz playing in Midfield against Liverpool & Arsenal not played well, poor communication b/n DM & attackers even though we got good results b/c of other players effort. He passed almost all balls to either Cahill or Terry to z back rather to play with other players in front position…
Good predicted lineup, sala should get prepared to prove himself what he’s worth, more viim blues all the way.
I don’t think mou will be in stands, he was given untill monday to appeal
with matic and luiz in holding position z likes of hazard, oscar, schurrle and etoo will have a freedom to attack, thus putting arsenal to their own half. Matic and luiz will seat deep.
We need to win this match quite crucial.
Mou must stop being stubborn and play David Luiz as MD along side with Matic.
if we play Matic-Luz as pivot against arsenal, we will win. I dont see how we can lose with: Cech – iva.terry.cahill.cesar – Matic.luiz – Hazard.Oscar.schruule – Etoo
Were is Sallah
When Matic play with David Luiz, it allows hime to go forward most of time and support the attack. I already say it with Matic – David, I dont see who can beat us. Even City knows better!
THIS WAS MY MESSAGE YESTERDAY:
“if we play Matic-Luz as pivot against arsenal, we will win. I dont see how we can lose with: Cech – iva.terry.cahill.cesar – Matic.luiz – Hazard.Oscar.schruule – Etoo”.
The thruth is that Ramires is tired, he doesnt bring nothing since 4 matches and yet Mou keep play him. Too stubborn.