Arsenal v Chelsea: six key battles
Chelsea face Arsenal in a London derby at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. Here are six potential battles we think could be all-important in Sunday’s game.
John Terry v Olivier Giroud
The game’s key battle will take place in and around the Chelsea box, as Blues skipper Terry comes up against Giroud. The Frenchman has scored 18 goals in 31 matches in all competitions this season – including nine in the last 10 – so Terry will need to be at his best.
John Mikel Obi v Mesut Ozil
Mikel will face the toughest examination since his reintroduction to the starting line-up in trying to keep Ozil quiet. The German, fit again after a foot injury ruled him out of the Gunners’ last match, at Stoke, has 16 assists in the Premier League this season – almost double the number of any other player.
Diego Costa v Per Mertesacker/Laurent Koscielny
Costa was suspended by the FA for his clash with Laurent Koscielny in the Blues’ 2-0 win over Arsenal in September, after which Per Mertesacker criticised Chelsea fans for applauding the Spain striker. The two Arsenal centre-backs will attempt to niggle away at Costa, who has been told by boss Guus Hiddink to concentrate on his own game.
Branislav Ivanovic v Theo Walcott
The Serbian, who turns 32 next month, signed a new contract on the eve of the game and was declared as being “back to his best” by Hiddink. However, there is no doubting he has struggled against pace this season, which should give Walcott the edge. End product is the Arsenal man’s main issue, though.
Cesc Fabregas v Mathieu Flamini
The Spaniard makes his second return to the Emirates in a Chelsea shirt, following last April’s goalless draw. He is likely to play in a more advanced midfield role, and will hope to get the better of former team-mate Flamini.
Thibaut Courtois v Petr Cech
Courtois will always be measured against former Blues favourite Cech, and on Sunday they go head-to-head for the third time, following a Champions League semi-final and the Community Shield. Who will prevail this weekend?
