Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview: Must-Not-Lose Game

Preparing for Chelsea

The Afrogunner is back after being admitted in hospital for the past week. In that time, I have missed (thankfully) the loss to against Wigan. Tomorrow sees us take on Chelsea and we have no time to feel sorry for ourselves.

I have not even bothered to see highlights of the game against Wigan, relying on what other bloggers and pundits and Arsene Wenger had to say after the game. Apparently, Arsenal were poo, played like little 7-year old boys at times and even lifted their skirts to Wigan at times!

We have left ourselves vulnerable to losing 3rd place if we don't win against Chelsea this weekend. We are fast running out of games, yet somehow the Gods are still smiling on us. But if we continue to fart in the faces of the Gods, pretty soon we shall lose their favour.

We really must beat Chelsea this weekend.

Injury News


Mikel Arteta is out for the rest of the season (4 games) after doing his ankle against Wigan. We all know about Jack Wilshere, Per Metersacker and Frimpong.

Almost Like New Signings


Vassiriki Abou Diaby is back from his perpetual ankle problems. Apparently he played 45 minutes in some friendly and if the coaching staff are careful enough with him, he could make the squad tomorrow. I like Diaby, but I wouldn't start him in a game of such magnitude; he might just play 23 minutes then have to be subbed.


Francis Coquelin has not played since March and bringing him into the team against a rejuvenated Chelsea will be risky to say the least. Like Diaby, I don't trust his hastrings.


Laurent Koscielny is back from his two-match suspension and should come into the defence in place of the very (currently) shaky Johann Djourou.

The loss of Arteta raises questions as to who comes into the midfield in his place. Aaron Ramsey is out of form and is playing so bad that people are clamouring for the Ox. I say lets stick by him in the starting line up. He may be poor at the moment, but you can never fault his work ethic. We really need his energy in midfield if we are to have a chance against this uplifted Chelsea side.

In the days of AVB, Chelsea had become something of a joke, but not anymore. Our players will really need to put in a shift if we are to get anything from this game. The usual suspects are well documented...

As for the fans, go out there and support the team in the next remaining games. The team really needs a push to get over the finish line. The end of the season is upon  us and there is plenty of time to moan, criticise, insult, review, chant, name calling, etc etc.

Let's shout the names of all our players at the top of our lungs and hope we get 3rd place.

COYG!!!!
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@ the_afrogunner on twitter.