3 Key Battles to Watch out for in Arsenal's Clash with Chelsea

With just two months remaining in the Premier League season, there appears to be a four-horse race for the title. Has there ever been a title race this close?

Chelsea currently lead the way with 66 points, but the table is deceiving. The Blues have played one more game than both Liverpool and Arsenal, who are each on 62 points, while Manchester City have 60 points yet have played three less games than Chelsea.

As you can see, it’s really anyone’s guess as to which team will lift the Premier League trophy in May.

Luckily, a few of these title contenders will face off in decisive matches before the end of the season, including Chelsea and Arsenal. The London rivals will go head to head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what will be a must-not-lose match rather than a must-win. 

Hopefully that doesn’t mean we’ll see the two teams cancel out—something that often happens in big games like these—but don’t expect to see a goal fest: Arsenal and Chelsea have arguably the two strongest defenses in the league.

There will be plenty of duels all over the pitch—namely Arsene Wenger vs. Jose Mourinho—but here are three key battles to watch out for in the London derby.

All statistics via Whoscored.com.

Eden Hazard vs. Bacary Sagna

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The last time Arsenal and Chelsea played, it was a rather dull 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Eden Hazard, uncharacteristically, had a quiet game and didn’t cause Bacary Sagna too much trouble. 

Since then, the 23-year-old has only gotten better. He’s notched up 13 goals and seven assists this season, and his average of 3.7 dribbles per game is the highest in the Premier League.

The Belgian international’s scintillating form has led to Jose Mourinho boldly claiming the left-winger is the best young player in the world, and he definitely has a point. The likes of Neymar, Paul Pogba and Mario Gotze might have something to say, but I don’t think too many people would argue against Mourinho on this one.

So when Hazard comes up against Bacary Sagna, Arsenal’s right-back will surely have an eventful 90 minutes.

Sagna has found some good form this season himself—according to Whoscored.com, he’s been the third-best right-back in the league after Mathieu Debuchy and Seamus Coleman.

The 31-year-old struggled for form last season following two leg breaks, but he has looked back to his best this campaign. Sagna has put in some imperious performances for the Gunners, defending solidly while getting forward and putting in dangerous crosses.

The battle between Eden Hazard and Bacary Sagna will be enticing, and could well shape the result of this game.

Tomas Rosicky and Santi Cazorla vs. Nemanja Matic and Frank Lampard

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Tomas Rosicky has a knack for hitting his best form late on in the season—a quality any manager would admire.

Nicknamed “the Little Mozart,” Rosicky is once again performing for Arsenal when it counts the most, highlighted by his recent wonder strike to hand the Gunners a crucial 1-0 win over rivals Tottenham. 

With Mesut Ozil injured, Rosicky and Santi Cazorla will have to step up in attacking midfield and provide the team with creativity. 

They’ll face a tough test against Chelsea’s increasingly solid defensive midfield, which has been bolstered by Nemanja Matic, who returned to Stamford Bridge from Benfica in January. The Serbian international has played like a “beast” since his arrival, averaging a massive 3.6 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per game in the Premier League. 

Frank Lampard is likely to start alongside Matic against Arsenal, with Ramires suspended after his red card against Aston Villa last weekend. 

When Arsenal win the midfield battle they often end up winning the game, so watch out for how Arsene Wenger’s pint-sized playmakers fare against Chelsea’s powerful midfielders.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain vs. Chelsea’s Defense

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Whereas Eden Hazard will be the player Arsenal have to watch out for on Saturday, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the player Jose Mourinho’s side must keep an eye on.

“The Ox” has been Arsenal’s brightest player in recent weeks, with his direct running and willingness to take on a defender providing a breath of fresh air to an Arsenal attack that usually attempts to pass the opposition to death.

The 20-year-old’s versatility means it’s anyone’s guess as to where he’ll play against Chelsea. He started on the right wing in Arsenal’s 4-1 FA Cup quarterfinal win over Everton; if he plays there against Chelsea, his personal duel will be against left-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

That being said, Chamberlain has most commonly started alongside Mikel Arteta in holding midfield, and Arsene Wenger has stated he sees Chamberlain’s future in that position as a Gerrard-esque player.

The England international seems to be growing into the role already, as he produced a Man of the Match performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League from central midfield. 

If Chamberlain does in fact play in the middle against Chelsea, he’ll be looking to take on Mourinho’s entire team rather than just one or two players. 

“The Ox” will undoubtedly be Arsenal’s X-factor, and if the Gunners can break through Chelsea’s watertight defense it will likely be due to him.