IMO he's a big loss - I just hope that Chelsea's strikers are actually out, and its not just a Mourinho mind game as usual... As if they are all out/half fit, then it should give us the edge, even with the loss of Merts
As much as I hate seeing Fab in a Chelsea shirt, I think it's going to be a very interesting battle between him and Matic and Santi and Coq, or Santi, Ramsey and Coq (depending on formation). Personally I'd go for Ospina Bellerin Gabriel Kos Monreal Coq Ramsey (CM) - Swapping with Santi Santi (AM) - Swapping with Ramsey and/or Ozil Ozil (LW) - Free role. Sanchez (RW) Giroud
Here's what Mourinho has to say on Costa - It looks like Chelsea top-scorer Diego Costa will not be making his return from injury against Arsenal, but may be back for the Blues' game against Leicester. Here is what Jose Mourinho had to say about the subject at his press conference... "Diego Costa is nearly there. If not Arsenal then Leicester. We are coping for the difficulties of every match without him. The team is playing in a different way but we are doing our job. We are more strategic and less artistic but are getting results. "I would love Diego to be back but I trust the other people. [Dominic] Solanki did not play yesterday with the U21s to be ready if we need him." I'm not sure if I smell mind games, considering he's saying he's 'nearly there' and suggesting he might be ready for Arsenal. No mention of Remy, so I take it he's definitely out which is good...
I think Drogba is fit and Costa is touch and go. I don't think he'll risk him myself. It's not a game we necessarily need to score in
If Costa is out then old man Drogba could be a problem with the Bus Driver playing hoofball to him, but I reckon Gabby has got enough to keep him quiet.
Drogba doesn't seem to have the goal scoring threat he did in earlier seasons for Chelsea, anymore.. having said that he'll probably score a brace against us now (if he plays that is).
Chelsea has been dominant over Arsenal but this time my bet is on Arsenal. I just have this gut feel that annoys the heck out of me. It tells me Arsene can get his job done in this match.
Had a dream we beat them 3-1. Bellerin scored the first goal early on in the first half. Cazorla added the second shortly afterwards. Drogba pulled one goal back in the 89th minute with an effort that seemed to go through Ospina's legs. Cazorla however killed the game a minute later when he rounded Courtois to score his second of the game. Interesting dream.
Arsenal XI Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud.
Chelsea XI Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Fabregas.
Wonder if the bus driver will play Hazard or Willian up front. Or Fabregas as a false-nine? Actually glad they don't have a big striker to try and out-muscle our defence with.
It makes sense for Chelsea to play for the draw. Can't say I blame them. We shouldn't lose this game AT ALL if they're playing no recognised striker.
