Earlier this week Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas said that he felt his team get “too scared” when they take on the other top teams in the Premier League. Well once again the Gunners will lock horns with London rivals Chelsea in a massive game at the top of the table (Arsenal 6/4, draw 23/10, Chelsea 9/5).
You can see where Fabregas is coming from just by looking at their results this season.
A 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United which followed a 2-0 beating by Chelsea earlier in the season says it all.
Granted these were away ties, but judging by some of the excellent performances that the Gunners have produced this season, there was great expectation that they could get something out of those games.
It has been Arsenal’s inability to get consistent results against the top team which has meant they have been out of the running for the Premier League title in past seasons.
But this campaign, with so many of the top teams dropping points against side’s that many would expect them to beat, the Gunners are right in the middle of the chase for the championship.
In the past Arsenal relied on a bit of steal in the middle of the park that helped them in the big games.
The likes of Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit, who were clearly unafraid to make tough tackles, were the foundations of victories in the past.
Jack Wilshere, for all his outstanding talent on the ball, must try and fill that role for the side despite not having all that much experience in these big games.
However of all the times to face Chelsea this is probably the best.
The Blues have not picked up a victory in their last five Premier League outings and have seemed low on confidence since the departure of Ray Wilkins from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are currently in fourth spot in the top flight after making an outstanding start to the campaign, winning their first six games.
Fans of the Blues will be pleased to hear that Frank Lampard is back in the starting line-up and he will be a major boost for his side (Lampard 15/2 to be first goalscorer).
The England midfielder has been out with a hernia and groin muscle injuries and they will need his influence in and around the box if they are to get anything out of their visit across the capital.
This game will really boil down, as it does in many games, to confidence.
If Arsenal can use the confidence that they show in games against lesser sides they should come out on top in front of their home fans.
However if Chelsea can regain their confidence with the boost of a Lampard return they could make Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Stamford Bridge a lot safer going into the New Year.
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