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On Sunday in the English Premier League, one of the most important matches of the season will take place. The hosts of the "Highbury" stadium and the league champions defending their title, the "Arsenal" footballers, will face the billionaire Roman Abramovich's "Chelsea" in the London derby. Here's what my former "Arsenal" coach and assistant coach of the England national team Don Howe thinks about these high-profile matches causing a buzz in London.
"I think the match will end with a score of 1-0, and either team can win. If "Chelsea" wins, their lead in the standings will increase to eight points. In that case, I think it will be possible to say that the title of champions is already in their pocket. They are too good a team to lose two or three matches and allow others to catch up.
People say they will stumble at some point. But the question is where?
Perhaps they will lose to "Man Utd" or "Liverpool"? I don't think so. Remember - last year everyone said that "Arsenal" would stumble. But they ended the whole season undefeated. Of course, "Chelsea" cannot relax completely, as they lost to "Man City." But "Arsenal" needs to beat them for the second time this season to reignite the fierce battle for the title.
Everything could depend heavily on the defensive line, where "Arsenal" coach, due to Patrick Vieira's disqualification and Edu and Gilberto's injuries, will be forced to field very young footballers. "Gunners" strategist Arsène Wenger has great confidence in Francescu Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini, but will they be suitable players for the match against "Chelsea"?
F. Fabregas runs all over the field and will be instructed to do the same again. "Chelsea" coach Jose Mourinho will say the same to Frank Lampard. But if F. Lampard does not manage to break away from his opponents' penalty area, "Chelsea" will suffer.
Nevertheless, I think "Chelsea" full-backs will have a significant advantage. A. Robben is fantastically quick, he bursts into the penalty area himself and scores a goal. A brilliant game can also be expected from Damien Duff. And yet - will John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho be able to handle Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, who seem to communicate telepathically? There is also Jose Antonio Reyes, who also contributes to the attacking talents of the "Gunners."
The tactical duel between Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger will also be intriguing. Arsène relies most on the strong sides of his team, but J. Mourinho will have studied them well. And I think he could fall into traps - if "Chelsea" focuses too much on T. Henry and J. A. Reyes, it could turn the game in the direction "Gunners" need.
That's why I consider "Arsenal" as the favorite," D. Howe summed up his thoughts.
