Preview: Arsenal FC vs Liverpool FC

Preview: Arsenal FC vs Liverpool FC

  Just two weeks into the season and Premier League fans have already witnessed top teams at loggerheads. Week 3 will be no different. Monday night action sees Liverpool visit the Emirates stadium. In what has been a false start for the hopeful contenders of every season (Arsenal), Liverpool have begun solidly. Let’s look at what we can expect from this game.

A 6-pointer at The Emirates

Arsenal-

  After an embarrassing defeat to West Ham on the opening day, the Gunners were bright against Crystal Palace. They looked very good offensively against a tough Palace side last week but were exposed at the back quite a few times. However, they earned a valuable 3 points to get off the mark this campaign.

  With their rivals having invested plenty of money over the transfer window, the Gooners are growing more impatient with each passing day.  The squad looks very solid and it is probably for the first time over a decade that they have been able to retain the core of the side. But the big question seems to be whether the likes of Coquelin and Giroud are good enough to keep them alive in all competitions? Media is buzzing with the news of Karim Benzema joining the Arsenal ranks, but there is nothing concrete yet that shows there might be a deal in place.

Arsenal's lone summer signing has cut a sorry figure thus far!!

  Last week, Coquelin couldn't cope up with Bolasie and Zaha running through the centre of the pitch. It has raised some serious question marks over his lack of composure, something he was known for earlier in his early days. On the other side of the pitch, some fans seem to have lost faith in Cech already. Only way to soothe their nerves is to put a tie of this stature to bed and collect 3points. 

  Coming to how they might lineup on Monday night, Arsenal are spoilt for choices. Unfortunately, every change invokes one problem or the other. Will Theo get a shot ahead of Giroud on Monday? Will The Ox, who has looked very impressive, make his way into the side? This is one conundrum Wenger will have to deal with all season long. 

Liverpool-

  As for Liverpool, a 100% record is certainly a solid way to begin the season, but neither their play nor the scorelines (1-0's) instil belief that come April, Liverpool would be in the title race. New boy, Nathaniel Clyne has integrated into the team very easily, also Benteke put in a promising performance against AFC Bournemouth. But it is their talisman from last season, Coutinho, who is calling the shots over the new boys at the club. Christian Benteke is going to be a big draw for this fixture. His aerial threat will certainly keep Arsenal's CB pair on their toes. With Sturridge sidelined for long & Firmino yet to pace up to the English game there isn't much one can tweak with their lineup.

  The more serious matter for the fans was regarding the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard this summer, the KOP fans were bewildered as to how the team, especially the midfield, will cope up in his absence. But newly appointed club captain, Henderson has taken over the mantle with great aplomb and with his teammate Coutinho putting in equally impressive performances; the duo have continued their good form from last season.

Henderson has proved to be an able successor to the KOP Legend.

Possible Outcome-

  Although it is early in the season, games like these are 6-pointers. Home or away, it is not only a matter of winning 3 points but also not allowing your rivals earn points. The way these two clubs, it surely won't be a languid affair. With an array of stylish and attacking players on the field, even the neutrals will be hooked to this game, whatever be the result. Goals are not a problem as this fixture has seen plenty of goals on either side over the past few meetings.

Who doesn't remember this 8 goal thriller?

  Arshavin won't be playing this time around, but with home advantage on their side, I pip Arsenal to nick 3 points on Monday.

Written by,

Pranav Byatnal.

(@PranavTH14)

How Pedro can turn Chelsea into Champions again

Spaniard Pedro signed for Chelsea adding unpredictability and variation to Jose Mourinho's side

With Jose Mourinho’s revelation of the one minute conversation that led to the arrival of Pedro to Stamford Bridge, the complexion of Chelsea’s attack has changed. While Pedro won’t immediately change Chelsea’s fortunes, his arrival gives them a much needed competition for the right wing berth. Being ambidextrous, he gives this already quality attack an extra edge.

Since the second half of last season, Chelsea’s attacking options seemed very limited. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were the only ones to reach double digit figures in terms of goals scored. The supremely hard working Willian too has more often than not been disappointing in his finishing and getting into scoring positions. The Spaniard’s arrival adds more directness to their attack. Apart from that, Pedro’s quality of making intelligent runs across from the wings into the centre adds another dimension to their attack.

Mourinho's new signing Pedro can turn Chelsea into Champions again

It is this extra dimension which is missing from all their attacking midfielders bar Eden Hazard. All of them are more comfortable having the ball at their feet, making runs down the wings and crossing the ball. Except Andre Schurrle in recent history, one has to look back to the 2004-2006 period when Chelsea had Eidur Gudjohnsen and Arjen Robben as wingers who had the capabilities to drift central and score goals.

Given Andre Schurrle’s form was never the same in the 2014-15 season after the World Cup, but his intelligent movements off the ball always posed a threat to the opposition. His run in behind the defence from a wide position to finish off an exquisite pass from Cesc Fabregas against Burnley showed how well he could anticipate a pass.

Pedro brings exactly this variation which will be a huge bonus for players like Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas who rely on the movements of other players to play in that killer pass. Having played under Pep Guardiola, Pedro is very much used to pressing the opposition, which also suits very well into Mourinho’s style of play.

Pedro's goal scoring ability gives them the option to switch to a 4-3-3, as it was with Robbe, Gudjohnsen and Drogba

Pedro’s arrival also allows Chelsea to effectively change their formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3. Mourinho preferred using the 4-2-3-1 in most of the games but opted for a 4-3-3 for the tough away game with Ramires coming in the right midfield in place of Oscar. Ramires’ work rate is impeccable but his passing ability and creativity is suspect. With an effective right winger in the form of Pedro coming in, Willian can be shifted to right midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas with Matic anchoring the two. This formation will be similar to how Chelsea played under Mourinho a decade back with Claude Makalele anchoring Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, with Robben and Duff/Gudjohnsen on the wings. They also had a striker in Didier Drogba who could occupy both the opposition centre backs.

Willian has played as a midfielder before such as in the 1-0 win against Manchester City at the Etihad during the 2013-14 season. His work rate helped stifle Yaya Toure’s influence in the game. Willian has the necessary qualities to be an effective box to box midfielder. His positional change may have a similar impact on his play like it did on Angel Di Maria during his final season at Real Madrid. Just like Willian, Di Maria too was an out and out winger. To accommodate the world record signing, Gareth Bale, Carlo Ancelotti shifted Di Maria to left midfield. That resulted in Di Maria having his best season during his Real Madrid career with his performance in the Champions League final being the cherry on the cake.

All in all, the capture of the Spaniard gives a much needed rejuvenation to the Chelsea attack. Pedro’s directness, intelligence and pace would be crucial for Mourinho’s men if they want to retain their title.

Written by,

Shanko Bag

Everton v/s Manchester City: The Battle of Goodison Park

The Premier League is now into its third week and this time we have a spectacular fixture on the cards as Everton take on Manchester City at Goodison Park. A face off between the blue halves of two of the most passionate football cities is no less in terms of quality and sheer entertainment than their rather more celebrated red halves. In spite of being the financial heavyweights they are, City have not had it easy against Everton if past results are to go by and this one promises to be no different as Roberto Martinez’s men would look to give the City their toughest test till now.

Everton take on Manchester City in a mouth-watering clash

Manchester City

If the first 2 games were a sign of things to come, Manchester City well and truly are the early contenders for the title. After starting the season on a high with a 3-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion, City completely annihilated the defending champions, Chelsea with a 3-0 mauling which only cemented their position atop the league table. With confidence sky high, City now face Everton at Goodison which hasn’t been a happy visiting ground for The Citizens.

Probable XI

Joe Hart (GK), B. Sagna, V. Kompany (C), E. Mangala, A. Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, J. Navas, D. Silva, R. Sterling, S. Aguero

Strengths

Given the nature of their playing style, everything about this team seems to be a strength when it comes to Manchester City. Sergio Aguero had a troubled season last year which saw him miss many games but in spite of that his goals tally seemed impressive. Though he may not be setting the goal scoring charts on fire just yet, his performances so far have been promising and definitely a sign of things to come. Many question marks were raised about Yaya Toure and his future at the club but the Ivorian seems to have left the past tensions and the average season behind him and returned to his former dominant self which in itself is like signing a new player. David Silva has become the Premier League’s assist machine as he continues to be pivotal to all City moves in the final third.

Will the transition to England be smooth?

At the other half of the pitch Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala seem to have forged a great partnership with the captain even managing to score 2 goals in 2 games. Alexander Kolarov and Bacary Sagna as the 2 full backs have been pretty fluid with their movements up and down the flanks. If City were not fearsome enough at the back the signing of Argentine Nicolas Ottamendi from Valencia has made them a seemingly impenetrable force at the back. Backed by their endless squad-depth Pellegrini is spoilt for choice with his squad selection.

Weaknesses

Mangala has a mistake or two in him. Can Everton capitalise?

Manchester City have remained largely untested even though they faced Chelsea. This is a team which largely focuses on attack and it is on the counter that they seem vulnerable at the back and that is where Everton can catch them off guard. In last week’s game against Southampton all the Everton goals came from 2 brilliant counter- attacking moves which if executed as effectively as last week might rattle the largely unchallenged City defense.

Everton

Fresh from a surprise away victory against Southampton, Roberto Martinez and Everton will be riding on their recent form and high morale to take on City. This fixture last season was a gritty 1-1 draw and with the Toffees faithful firmly behind them Everton will not go down without a fight. Roberto Martinez has a rather poor managerial record against City but that is something he would surely like to fix.

Probable XI

T.  Howard (GK), S. Coleman, J. Stones, P. Jagielka, L. Galloway, J. McCArthy, G. Barry (C) , A. Kone, R. Barkley, K. Mirallas, R. Lukaku

Strengths

Strengths

Will this man make all the difference?

After managing a 2-2 draw against premier league newcomers, Watford City, Everton finally got their season on track against Southampton with an amazing display of counter attacking football which saw the return to form of Belgian Forward Romelu Lukaku. He combines the best of raw pace with his sheer strength and shooting prowess which makes him lethal on his day. Ross Barkley seems to have added to his reputation as the Premier League’s next big star with a screamer against Watford and an insightful assist for Lukaku against Southampton before putting one in the back of the net himself. Arouna Kone has returned to his old self. He scored the equalizer against Watford and set up Lukaku for his first goal with a sublime cross at St. Mary’s. Everton will be boosted by the return of Kevin Mirallas who was an unused substitute against Southampton and winger Aiden McGEady who is back from injury. But the X-factor for Everton will be the proximity of the home fans which makes it one of the most intimidating venues to play at.

Weakness

In 6s and 7s at the back.

A lot has been made out of the Everton’s defensive record at home but the 2 goals conceded on opening day tell a different story. Last season, Everton created a lot of chances through their full backs Coleman and Baines but with young Galloway at left back Everton will miss the soothing presence of Baines at the back. Never ending speculation about John Stones and his future at Goodison seems to have diverted his mind off of the campaign. With the likes of Aguero and Co. charging all guns blazing Everton cannot afford one wrong step.

Possible Result

This fixture has not witnessed a goalless draw in quite a long time and given the attacking talents on display at both ends of the pitch that statistic is not going to change. City have the edge over Everton in all departments and that will eventually help them overcome the Toffees. Everton, however, will not go down without scoring a goal or two themselves. This will be a tight one but we expect a 2-1 victory for Manchester City.

Written by 

Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is a Writer for 18Yardbox.

(@Devilshenoy93)

Manchester City thrash Chelsea in early season clash

Champions Chelsea lost to a resurgent Manchester City by score line of 3-0 in what was the first time since 1998 that Chelsea started the season without a win in their first two games.

Jose Mourinho started the game with important members of his squad struggling for form and fitness and that proved to be the difference between the sides as key players’ sloppiness, lack of incisive play and decision making cost them the game at the Etihad stadium.

With Ramires starting the game, one naturally assumed that playmaker Cesc Fabregas was pushed higher up the pitch to add creativity to the team’s attack while supporting regulars Willian and Eden Hazard with his smart touches and silky passes. In reality though it was Ramires who started on the right hand side of the attack in what could be termed as a smart move probably to help Serbian Branislav Ivanovic with Raheem Sterling and Aleksandar Kolarov threatening down the flank for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Fabregas, Costa and Ramires need to step up for the team to work

This naturally meant Fabregas started deeper pairing Nemanja Matic in the heart of midfield. Belgian Hazard was placed in the hole behind Diego Costa with a hope of them linking up through Costa’s strong hold up play getting teammates like Willian into play from the wings.

Manchester City though started in their usual fashion with not many changes in their personnel or tactics and perhaps this is where the game was won. Pellegrini kept things simple with players clearly aware of their roles and doing the basic things well.

The game started with City on the front foot. David Silva skipped past compatriot Fabregas as if the former Barcelona man wasn’t even present to release Sergio Aguero clear of both Gary Cahill and John Terry, who couldn’t react with the Argentian’s movement and pace. Custodian Asmir Begovic saved his side on that occasion but the rest of the first half was more or less similar. Aguero was getting the deliveries he requires in and around the area, and with little support from Fabregas and Matic, Chelsea’s centre back partnership struggled. Begovic was called upon twice more within a span of minutes and did well to keep his side in the game.

It was from the next substantial opportunity that City took the lead. Silva picked up the ball from the right hand side and found Yaya Toure, who passed it on to Aguero on the edge of the area and the former Atletico Madrid man brilliantly got past both Cahill (who overcommitted his challenge) and the sliding Terry to slot the ball past Begovic. In hindsight, one could blame Chelsea’s midfield for this goal because of the lack of defensive work done by the likes of Willian and Fabregas. Their absence forced Terry to be dragged out of position to put pressure on Silva which ultimately led to one less body present in front of Aguero for him to beat.

The rest of the first half was spent by City trying to put the game to bed with chances for both Sterling and Eliaquim Mangala, while Chelsea wasted set pieces with rather uncharacteristic deliveries by Fabregas. Fernandinho was lucky to receive a yellow card for a clear elbow on Costa which led to him bleeding from the head, with a red a rather justifiable option for referee Martin Atkinson. All in all the half belonged to City with Chelsea’s lack of incisiveness, accurate passing and robustness led to their downfall.

Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero were tremendous against Chelsea

The second half started with Mourinho substituting Terry for Kurt Zouma, a change which saw the Portuguese taking this action for the first time in the Premier League with his talisman Terry. Chelsea did look like they could come back into the game for some time initially in the second half with the pace of the game slowing down a bit. Decent runs by Willian, Hazard and Costa looked like they could muster something up but to no avail.

Both Toure and Fernandinho managed to overpower the Chelsea midfield alongside strong performances by both Kompany and Mangala. The opportunity which should have been taken fell to Hazard after some smart work by Costa, who took two City defenders out of the game before cutting it back for the Belgian. With credit to the former Lille man, he shot on target with venom under pressure from City defenders but his shot was saved by Hart.

They were few chances for both sides post this, but Chelsea never did really look like coming back into the game. Juan Cuadrado (who came on for Ramires) and Falcao (who came on for Willian much later) didn’t look like they added something to the side which is a worry for Mourinho. The side doesn’t have any depth at the moment even as compared to last season when Didier Drogba and Andre Schurrle secured crucial points by making decisive contributions when called upon.

City finally put the tie to bed in the 79^th minute when a basic clearance from a corner wasn’t done by Ivanovic who was marking Kompany for the set piece. The Belgian thereby scored his second goal in two games with increased questions on the Serbian’s age finally catching up with him.

There was more to come however, with Ivanovic again at fault for Chelsea conceding another one. City attacked down the left hand side when Nasri sent a cross into the box for Zouma to half clear. It reached Ivanovic who lost out to Silva in a bid to move the ball on. Silva found Fernandinho who struck it strongly past Begovic to wrap up the tie.

Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry have guided Chelsea to lots of titles but have to pick themselves up from this poor start if they are to continue as the backbone of this Chelsea side

All in all, the tie was over early in the first half when City started the game so strongly that they could have been four or five ahead in  the first forty five itself. The squad looks well into the season with fitness levels at their best and the hunger to win the title back after last season.

For Chelsea, on the other hand, the squad started their preseason later than other teams and it clearly shows considering most of the key players do not look like being ready for the rigours of the Premier League. Key players haven’t reached their peak fitness and body readiness in time, particularly Ivanovic, Terry, Fabregas and Costa. The touches are not good enough, thereby making the passing less than effective. The movement off the ball is not good enough for players like Costa, who need to be agile to create chances for the team. Whatever needs to be done though, needs to be done fast before it is too late for Mourinho to defend the hard earned title.

Written by,

Aman Arora

Preview: Manchester City FC vs Chelsea FC

Chelsea visit the Etihad stadium in an early season clash against title rivals Manchester City

Amidst recent controversy regarding the potential absence of their regular medical staff on the bench, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea visit Manchester to face a City side beaming with confidence and doing what they can do tremendously well, which is to play football.

The home side have started the season well with key players like Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany performing like they should. New signing Raheem Sterling has excited viewers in preseason and against West Brom, providing the team some unpredictability with his dribbling and penetration. Manuel Pellegrini should, in all certainty set his team out confidently to attack the London side from the word go, looking to build on the dominant performance last weekend.

The Citizens should, in all probabilities line up with Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala as their centre back pairing, flanked by Bacary Sagna and Aleksander Kolarov. Pablo Zabaleta is still recovering from his exploits at the Copa America and might not be ready in time to face Chelsea . However, Frenchman Sagna more than made up for Zabaleta’s absence, looking solid in defence and more than capable of supporting attacks down the wing.  His countryman Mangala also looked better at the heart of defence than he did this time last year but a lot of that could do with the lack of a potent threat the Midlands’ team provided.

Yaya Toure was on song for Manchester City against West Brom last weekend

Their midfield is much more efficient when Toure is on song, letting Fernandinho sitting deep to protect the defence and do the job of winning the ball back for the team. With Toure supporting attack, David Silva looked better in the hole behind the striker, comfortable switching places with Jesus Navas and Sterling, and together they can give any defence a harrowing time on their day.

Upfront, Wilfried Bony worked hard but didn’t show the same finishing instincts for which he has actually been brought to the Etihad. Argentine Sergio Aguero, still not completely fit, might again start on the bench, leaving the former Swansea man the responsibility to lead out the attack once more.

Things are not so good for the London side however, with off field issues regarding the medical team’s apparent naivety to get on the field to treat Eden Hazard last weekend which wasn’t appreciated by Mourinho. The Portuguese’s logic pointed out to his side being left with only 9 players on the field, rather than blaming his keeper for a rash challenge to give away a penalty, thereby receiving a red card as well. Whether it is actually a ploy by the former Real Madrid manager to shift the focus away from his players who performed rather poorly on the day to concede a draw at Stamford Bridge or not is something everyone can have an opinion on.

Ivanovic struggled against pacy Jefferson Montero last weekend

The Pensioners should probably start with Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta in defence ahead of Bosnian stopper Asmir Begovic. Considering their options in defence, or the rather lack of it, this could certainly be one of the reasons of Mourinho apparently being unhappy with the situation. Serbian Ivanovic’s form is in question since last weekend and it is crucial he responds well to criticism considering how important a personality he is in the dressing room. Not only this, but his lack of quickness last weekend actually made Cahill cover for him time and again leaving Terry exposed.

Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in the midfield makes for a balanced pairing on paper, albeit only if both the players are in form. Fabregas wasn’t his usual self last weekend, failing to show his rather brilliant range of passing. With Oscar, Willian and Hazard behind Costa, Chelsea simply offer nothing new as compared to last season and might face more difficulties at the Etihad with an improved Toure in midfield and an even more improved Kompany in defence.

All in all, one can expect an exciting contest between possibly the top two contenders for the title this term with some exhilarating sub plots. Former Liverpool man Sterling could come up against Ivanovic and the Serbian’s recent form suggests that he will be in for a tough afternoon tomorrow. Toure will look to impose himself on the game as he did last time out against a pairing of Matic and Fabregas, and if he does manage to come out on top, expect City to look like a different side altogether.

Mourinho can call upon Ramires and Matic with Fabregas pushed higher up the pitch

Although this is what the sides usually look like, one can’t rule out Mourinho going out with a defensive mind set with three in the midfield, with Fabregas pushed up a bit to be replaced by Ramires alongside Matic. Expect Hazard and Willian to play on the flanks in the case with Costa through the centre with the midfield trio focused on halting the progress of Toure and Silva through the centre. Even with pacy wingers, City do tend to play their way centrally with intricate passes releasing the likes of Sterling or even Aguero and halting these could very well be crucial to how the game pans out.  

A draw, with Chelsea yet again coming up with performances against the odds away from home is my best bet.

Written by,

Aman Arora

Preview : Chelsea vs Manchester United

Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in clash that pits the apprentice against the master, yet again…

A win in the tie could take Jose Mourinho’s team eleven points clear of third place Manchester United with a game in hand and will certainly end talk of a potential late title challenge from the Mancunians this season.

The London side are also seven clear of an in form Arsenal, who visit Reading tomorrow in the FA Cup, which could rise to ten if they were to win today, while Arsenal do not play in the League again till next weekend’s clash against Chelsea.

Manchester United, on the other hand will be happy to be in a position to secure Champions League qualification, meaning a defeat should be avoided if they are to maintain a four point gap over local rivals Manchester City.

On the injuries front, Chelsea are without their top scorer Diego Costa, who is out with a hamstring problem and possibly Frenchman Loic Remy, who missed last weekend’s clash against QPR with a calf injury. United, on the other hand have Daley Blind (ankle), Michael Carrick (calf), Phil Jones (ankle) and Marcos Rojo (groin) out.

Michael Carrick and Daley Blind are both out of tonight's clash

Chelsea could potentially line up with a 4-3-3 set up to neutralize the threat of an in form Marouane Fellaini, who has been linking up well with United’s wide men going forward. Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Ramires are all expected to line up in the middle with the Serbian closing down the likes of Fellaini who likes to come deep when the ball is being played from the back. Fabregas and Ramires, on the other hand will be Chelsea’s key passers, moving the ball up the pitch quickly for Willian and Eden Hazard to create chances.

The Blues’ steady backline is expected to remain unchanged from their last time out with Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta continuing as the backbone of the side.

As for Manchester United, injuries to key players mean that they have only Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair available at center backs, with Luke Shaw possibly available today. They should line up in a 4-3-3 as well, with Ander Herrera, Fellaini and former Chelsea man Juan Mata in midfield. Ashley Young’s strong performance in recent weeks means he could start on the flank, which will then make it a 4-2-3-1 with Fellaini and Herrera in the centre, Young, Mata and Di Maria as the attacking trio supporting Wayne Rooney upfront.

Another alternative option could be for Falcao to play upfront with Rooney dropping deep to support the midfield and track back when Chelsea do attack on the counter.

Cesc and Matic will be crucial to Chelsea's performance against United

Whatever Van Gaal does choose to start with, Chelsea will tend to play on the back foot, trying to contain the aerial threats through Fellaini along with the quality from the likes of Mata and Young and on current form. Mourinho is astute enough to understand United’s frailties at the back, even more so because of the injuries, to take advantage of it on the counter through the trickery and pace of Willian and Hazard. Although their striking department is a concern, their midfield has enough goals in them to take them over the line.

All in all, one could expect a classic encounter between these rivals with Chelsea clearly having an upper hand despite United’s recent run of victories against top teams.

Written by

Aman Arora