ENGLAND: EFL Cup
Arsenal FC
- D
- L
- D
- L
- W
vs
Chelsea FC
- D
- D
- D
- W
- W
Kick-off
20:00 GMT
24 January 2018
With just over a month until the EFL Cup Final at Wembley, there are still two matches to be played in order to determine which sides will meet to contest the first piece of silverware of the season. The first legs of the semi-finals have already been played, Chelsea and Arsenal both failed to score in a goalless draw and they face off in their second leg on Wednesday evening.
STATS
- Arsenal’s demise in the league has been coming for some time and Alexis Sanchez leaving the Gunners summed up the current state of the club. They are struggling in the Premier League, sitting 6th and their hopes of success rest on the EFL Cup. They have won just one of their last six in all competitions, drawing twice with Chelsea in that time. They won their last match 4-1 against Crystal Palace.
- Chelsea aren’t in a great state of affairs themselves, 3rd in the league and 15 points away from league leaders, Manchester City. They are, however, still in both cup competitions but didn’t take advantage of the first leg which was played at Stamford Bridge. Like their upcoming opponents, they scored four goals at the weekend in a 4-0 demolition of Brighton.
- Alexandre Lacazette is Arsenal’s leading goal scorer in all competitions this term after his summer move but with nine goals, he needs more to be seen as a success.
- Another player who has scored plenty of goals since a summer transfer is Alvaro Morata, who has scored 12 goals. Eden Hazard is close by on 11.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last four meetings between these two London rivals have ended in stalemate with the most recent being the first leg of this semi-final. The FA Cup final was the last time one of these two sides beat the other and that was back in May at Wembley, the venue both teams are looking towards in this fixture. Not including the first leg of this tie, the last time the two sides met in the League Cup was in the final of the 2006/07 season and Chelsea were the victors, 2-1 was the scoreline with Didier Drogba scoring both goals. How the Blues would love to have him for Wednesday night.
ARSENAL NEWS
The Gunners will be desperate to win this match and then hopefully go on to win the final, whether it be against Man City or Bristol City. They will be hoping to see their new signing, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, in action while Nacho Monreal and Aaron Ramsey face late fitness tests. Danny Welbeck or Olivier Giroud should feature on the bench.
Latest matches: Arsenal FC
| 20.01.2018 | Prem |
Arsenal FC | Crystal Palace | 4:1 | W |
| 14.01.2018 | Prem |
Bournemouth AFC | Arsenal FC | 2:1 | L |
| 10.01.2018 | EFL |
Chelsea FC | Arsenal FC | 0:0 | D |
| 07.01.2018 | FA C |
Nottingham Forest | Arsenal FC | 4:2 | L |
| 03.01.2018 | Prem |
Arsenal FC | Chelsea FC | 2:2 | D |
CHELSEA NEWS
Antonio Conte will be just as hopeful that his side can secure another piece of silverware but he also has several players who are doubts for the clash. Alvaro Morata, Thibaut Courtois, Danny Drinkwater and Gary Cahill will all undergo tests of their fitness. Andreas Christensen and Cesc Fabregas won’t be in the side.
Latest matches: Chelsea FC
| 20.01.2018 | Prem |
Brighton & Hove Albion FC | Chelsea FC | 0:4 | W |
| 17.01.2018 | FA C |
Chelsea FC | Norwich City | 6:4 | W |
| 13.01.2018 | Prem |
Chelsea FC | Leicester City | 0:0 | D |
| 10.01.2018 | EFL |
Chelsea FC | Arsenal FC | 0:0 | D |
| 06.01.2018 | FA C |
Norwich City | Chelsea FC | 0:0 | D |
SUMMARY
Before Arsenal’s resounding win at the weekend, this game would have had a Chelsea win written all over it but Wednesday’s hosts showed ruthlessness they haven’t shown all season. They have the backing of their home supporters but face a very tough Chelsea side. I expect the result to be similar to that of the first leg and maybe extra-time beckons, it will take one moment of magic from either side to progress to the final.
24 January 2018 - 20:00 GMT
ENGLAND: EFL CupAbout the author - Tampines -Tanjong Pagar
- Tampines: Tampines Football Club, also known as Tampines Rovers, is a professional soccer team based in Singapore. They compete in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and have a rich history in Singaporean football. Here are some key points to consider about Tampines:
Strengths:
- Experienced Squad: Tampines Rovers have a good mix of experienced players who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team.
- Strong Attack: The team boasts several talented attacking players who are capable of creating scoring opportunities and finding the back of the net.
- Consistent Performers: Tampines Rovers have been consistently competitive in the SPL, often finishing near the top of the league table.
Weaknesses:
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: At times, Tampines Rovers have shown vulnerabilities in their defense, which can lead to conceding goals.
- Inconsistency: While they have had successful campaigns in the past, there have been instances where they struggled to maintain a consistent performance level.
- Tanjong Pagar: Tanjong Pagar United Football Club is another Singaporean soccer team that participates in the Singapore Premier League. After a hiatus, they made a return to the league in recent years. Here's an assessment of Tanjong Pagar:
Strengths:
- Resurgence: After their return to the SPL, Tanjong Pagar has shown resilience and determination to re-establish themselves as a competitive team.
- Young Talent: The team has invested in young players, giving them opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities.
- Fighting Spirit: Tanjong Pagar has displayed a never-give-up attitude, often putting up spirited performances even against stronger opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Limited Squad Depth: Tanjong Pagar may face challenges due to a relatively smaller squad and fewer resources compared to some other teams in the league.
- Defensive Fragility: The team has struggled with defensive solidity at times, leading to conceding goals more frequently.
Overall, Tampines Rovers have a stronger track record and a more established presence in the Singapore Premier League. They possess experienced players and have a history of competitive performances. On the other hand, Tanjong Pagar is a team that has been rebuilding and showing signs of progress. While they may face challenges, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improvement.
It's important to note that soccer teams' performance can vary over time, so it's always a good idea to keep up with the latest news and updates on their progress.
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