Last Two Teams To Win At Chelsea Meet In Lancashire
Dec 1st, 2008 by 'holic
With just over forty-eight hours separating the Premiership triumph at Stamford Bridge from the Carling Cup quarter-final at Burnley, not forgetting the draw for third round of the FA Cup, it is clear that the business end of the season is starting to take shape. Whilst others might have complained about facing two fixtures in three days, the Gunners just get set to give perhaps the sternest test yet to the next generation who are knocking on the door of first-team recognition.
Three changes are predicted from the side that comprehensively thumped Wigan in the fourth round. With Johan Djourou (ruled out by injury anyway) and Alex Song both featuring in the defeat of Chelsea, a new central defensive partnership is on the cards. By announcing that those on the bench at the weekend will start in Lancashire the boss has ensured Mikael Silvestre will be one half of that partnership.
If Song is rested there may be an opportunity for another of the kids to step up for a debut. I’ve had the good fortune to witness the youngsters, both live and on television this season, and would not be overly worried if either Kyle Bartley or Luke Ayling were involved. Bartley has a strong physical presence, Ayling is the more mobile at this stage. Any alternative would involve someone, possibly Amaury Bischoff, playing out of position.
The other change will see Nicklas Bendtner return to the side in place of Jay Simpson. The big Dane struck twice in the six goal mauling of Sheffield United in round three, while the unfortunate Simpson bagged a brace against Premiership Wigan just three weeks ago.
There are lots of reasons not to get carried away with the Young Guns chances of progressing. Burnley reached this stage by conquering a very strong Chelsea side on penalties at Stamford Bridge, much to the embarrassment of Blues coach Ray Wilkins. The Championship promotion chasers have home advantage, and it will be interesting to see how the visitors cope with a hostile crowd for a change. Beaten just once in ten home starts, the clarets are able to mix a passing and long-ball style as the circumstances dictate.
The bookies have Arsenal as slight odds-on favourites, so you will need to look for value elsewhere. If you fancy a 2-1 away win, then around 15/2 is on offer. I’m looking at a real oddball. The youngsters frequently start slowly, and I am thinking they may even go behind. So I am popping the ‘holic pound on Burnley to lead at half-time, but Arsenal to win in ninety minutes at 25/1.
That would be quite an achievement. Those of you who are going can anticipate a cracking contest I think, and it really could go either way. I hope the weather stays kind to you. Make loads of noise as usual. Up the Arsenal.
15 Responses to “Last Two Teams To Win At Chelsea Meet In Lancashire”
True enough. I’ll have a large glass of Dutch lager please.
I love the League Cup.
The London Pride saw me proud yesterday, so I’ll have another please ‘holic.
Amstel original for Snail, vin rouge for 433, Yard of Pride for Mark. There you go gents.
Anybody at the other end of the bar?
Do you have some Spaten, ‘holic? It’s lonely (and dry) here at the other end of the bar.
As it happens I am having a Bavarian fest tonight. Enjoy the Spaten…
I am still waiting for the medicinal drink I ordered in the previous drinks.
Chop, chop
Kir with added brandy should do the trick…
It will be a really tough test tomorrow, the hardest game so far, but I reckon they can do it.
Now that I’ve finally got your attention (been waving at you for about ten minutes!), mine’s a tap water, please. With a slice of lemon if you’ve got it. Cheers.
Yo fellow gooners. Just dropped in to say in case you didn’t know that a petition has been started by some thoughtful guy to get the stands of the Emirates renamed to something more relevant to our history.
I thought it sounds like a great idea to help make it a bit more personal and might help everyone feel at home even more there.
The link is below but maybe you’d consider dedicating an article to this yourself to get it some attention ‘Holic if you like the idea. Anyone who agrees with me spread the word and sign the petition!
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/name-the-stands-of-the-emirates-stadium.html
morning all, hope the kids do ok tonight.
this is a real tester for them.
COME ON YOU GUNNER KIDS
We will win 4-0 tonight.
It is seriously cold up there tonight. That will be the problem…
It is seriously cold up there tonight. That will be the problem… Hot Toddies all ’round
Back to normal. A season of failure ensues.