Much of the attention will turn to head coaches Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho who will go head to head for the first time since 2007.
EPL leaders Arsenal entertain London rivals Chelsea tonight in a League cup clash. Much of the attention will turn to head coaches Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho who will go head to head for the first time since 2007. With such a big game, we take a look at the player battles that will hold importance:
Thomas Vermaelen vs. Samuel Eto’o
Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen has found himself relegated to the benches in the Premier League, which also prompted him to doubt his future at the club. He did play the last league cup game and could start the game against Chelsea. He is likely to face Samuel Eto’o, who is yet to hit the road running.
Juan Mata vs. Aaron Ramsey
Spaniard Juan Mata has yet to get a recurrence of games under Jose Mourinho. The left-footed midfielder is a special talent who could open up a game at any time. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey would be given a tough task of handling the Spanish pass master. Ramsey himself is in a goal-scoring mood and with Mikel Arteta suspended and Mathieu Flamini injured, he is in for a big night.
Carl Jenkinson vs. Willian
English fullback Carl Jenkinson knows how important this game is for him and his team. His dual with Brazilian wingen Willian will be a good test for the youngster who is still to make his mark in the Arsenal team.
Nicklas Bendtner vs. David Luiz
The Dane striker who was on the verge of leaving the club now finds himself in the thick of things. Bendtner, who scored on international duty for Denmark, will know that he needs to impress manager Arsene Wenger. He will have a tough time with David Luiz though, who is a ‘no nonsense’ defender. It will be a great contest to watch.
