My Thoughts
Although both sides progressed to the Champions League semi finals this week (although somebody needs to remind me what exactly these two sides are champions of), their paths there could not have been more different. While Arsenal comfortably disposed of Villarreal, playing some glorious fast-paced counter-attacking football, Chelsea were given the fright of their lives by Liverpool in an epic encounter. The match will undoubtedly have taken its toll on Chelsea's squad (indeed, drogba limped off near the end), but the match (along with the last 20 minutes of their match with Bolton last Saturday) saw something potentially much more damaging: the total loss of form of Petr Cech. Once, there was no better Czech than Petr Cech. However, conceding 7 goals in his last 2 games (and a couple of those, most notably Fabio Aurelio's free kick, being real shockers) must have left some sort of mark on a player who already has to wear a scrum cap during games, owing to a previous injury. However, this blog is not a psychoanalysis of Chelsea's goalkeeper, so back to the match itself.
There can be no denying that Arsenal are kicking into top form at just the right time of the season. 16 goals scored in their last 5 league games, along with another 3 in Wednesday's victory over Villarreal, their only question mark currently is a few injuries in their defence, which admittedly passed the test against Villarreal, however Chelsea will surely provide a sterner examination. Chelsea themselves are also in good form, a 1-0 reverse away at Tottenham their only defeat under Guus Hiddink, although just how big an impact will their gruelling, epic Champions League tie have had on their squad? Interestingly, in semi-finals, Hiddink's recent record is atrocious, having lost at the same stage with Russia (Euro 2008), PSV Eindhoven (Champions League 2005), South Korea (World Cup 2002) and Holland (World Cup 1998)
The Verdict
Games between these two sides are generally close-fought affairs, although Arsenal's 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge earlier this season is interesting to note. Arshavin has added an extra dimension to Arsenal's play, fitting into the side remarkably well for an Eastern European. Contrast this with Chelsea's big Eastern European signing a few years ago, Andriy Shevchenko, and his struggles. It may take extra-time, but I fancy Arsenal to progress to the FA Cup Final.
The Bet
Arsenal to win in extra time (best price 10/1 Paddy Power)
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