Battles between Chelsea and Arsenal have never stopped being intriguing. Arsenal, during Didier Drogba’s days, was terrorized by the men in blue. However, once they registered a 3-1 victory in 2010, a mental block was seemingly removed. Arsenal won the next encounter 3-5. The most recent encounter ended in a 1-2 win for Chelsea.
Demba Ba vs. Fernando Torres
The first key battle takes place in Chelsea itself. Ba was signed for a small fraction of the fee which Fernando Torres cost. However, Ba is already having a bigger impact than the Spaniard. Ba scored against Southampton in midweek; he has displayed great movement in and around the penalty area. He had already shown for Newcastle that he can score wonderful goals. Torres, despite being naturally gifted, has never managed to click for Chelsea. Ba might just win this one and be handed a start once again.
Rafael Benitez vs. Arsene Wenger
Both coaches are experienced; they are both good tacticians. Wenger has always painted the picture of a stubborn but wise coach. He and Benitez are not the best of friends. Wenger will not change his team’s style to adapt to Chelsea’s game plan. Wenger believes in a philosophy and he is not prepared to move away from it.
Benitez’s Chelsea does not have a trademark philosophy as such. Chelsea might counterattack; they might try to control possession. Benitez knows how Arsenal will play. He will win the battle if his side can control the midfield as Manchester United did against Arsenal. However, doing so against a side which has players such as Jack Wilshere in midfield will certainly be difficult.
Bacary Sagna vs. Ashley Cole
This battle will be hugely intriguing. Both these wingbacks like to come forward and aid their team in attack. Cole is one of the best in his position in the world. Sagna does a great job for Arsenal too. The winner of this battle will obviously be decided by which the way the match is flowing. If Sagna attacks consistently and pushes Cole back as a result, he will win this battle. If Cole is given the chance to attack, he will do so freely and impressively.
Lukas Podolski vs. Juan Mata
The Prince of Köln has taken up a new adventure in Arsenal and has fared quite well so far. Mata is just one more of tonnes of talented Spaniards of this generation. Lukas Podolski will try to keep Juan Mata honest by attacking down his flank as much as possible. This duel will be extremely interesting. If Mata wins, Arsenal is in big trouble. Podolski already knows about talented Spaniards having faced Barcelona in his Bayern days as well the Spanish national side with Germany. He will not need to be warned about the danger of Mata beforehand.
Santi Cazorla vs. Oscar
The two will not battle against each other; however their creativity will be very important for their sides. Cazorla will look to influence the game with clever flicks and good through balls. Oscar will try to use his pace and his vision to good effect as well. Cazorla, despite finding his form for Arsenal since his first day in office, has gone missing in a few games, most notably against United earlier in the season. He did score a late goal in that match nonetheless. Oscar has shown us already what damage he can do. This will most definitely be an interesting battle of creativity.
