By Tusdiq Din/London
When Arsenal and Chelsea lock horns at The Emirates Stadium in tomorrow’s much anticipated London derby, the game will be about more than the usual three points on offer to the winner. Both clubs have embarked on differing models to sustain their Premiership status, with Arsene Wenger adopting a more of a pragmatic player approach as opposed to Chelsea who have a team from the “buy at all costs,” school of thought.
True in recent seasons Roman Abramovich has had to cut back the player spend available to his manager, but whereas the Gunners –who have netted an amazing 36 times in the Premiership - have adopted a structure where youth is allowed to flourish, the Blues have been able to spend millions in getting the experienced professional. It promises to be a fascinating tussle with Chelsea leading the Premiership and five points clear of Arsenal. Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and former Gunner Ashley Cole will all be available to Carlo Ancelotti, but Arsene Wenger will still have Robin Van Persie and Gael Clichy absent. It was a win apiece in these two fixtures last season. So far, Chelsea have slipped up a couple of times on the road and Arsenal will look to carry on with that theme.
Before the London affair, Merseyside will have the attention as Everton welcome Liverpool. Rafael Benitez was singing the Reds anthem “ Walk On,” prior to last Saturdays draw with Manchester City, and with Liverpool now dumped out of the Champions League, and a massive 13 points off the lead, the Spaniard may end up doing precisely that.
Not that there is any pressure on Benitez, but for a club steeped in history and tradition and winning, the current form is simply just not good enough. Benitez favours zonal marking and defensively Liverpool have been poor. In attack, Fernando Torres’ absence has been significant, and Liverpool only possessing poor alternatives, the Anfield side have suffered. Everton too have been in a slump. The loss at Old Trafford last Saturday was followed by another loss at Hull days later. David Moyes has had more than his fair share of injuries, and as Everton see their new stadium project rejected by the government, Merseyside is currently not a happy place.
Having thrashed Wigan 9-1 last Sunday, Spurs travel to Aston Villa today knowing that the Midlands side have only conceded thirteen times this season. Fresh from his five-goal haul however, Jermain Defoe will be a handful for Villa’s rearguard. With Emile Heskey’s first goal in seven months, Martin O’Neil will want the same again from his veteran striker. Both O’Neill and Harry Redknapp will see this fixture as a key battle for Champions League ambitions next season.
Manchester United will travel to Portsmouth to find another change of personal at the south coast club. Paul Hart has been relieved of his managerial duties in favour of Avram Grant. With their Champions League loss to Besiktas still fresh in his memory, Sir Alex Ferguson will field a full strength side, with all the prospects of another Pompey loss.
Burnley have the worst away record in the Premiership, but their visit to West Ham, who have only won one of their last six matches promises to be a key fixture. The London side are too close to the relegation zone for Gianfranco Zola’s liking, and unlike at Hull last Saturday will need to learn how to hold onto a lead. |
