Ahead of today’s game and before TheChelseaBlog returns to regarding anything in a red shirt as fair game for abuse, I managed to control myself long enough to put a few questions to Andy from the Arsenal FC Blog. Have a read:

United made it look easy against you last weekend, where do you think you went wrong?

Wenger’s tactics were off the mark and a couple of our players underperformed. I still can’t understand his decision to go all-out attack against United and play to their major strength - counterattacking. Our defending was poor and the game was far too open - basically it was just a bad day at the office.

Our last game saw us walk away from the Emirates 3 points better off without breaking into a sweat. Do you think your players will turn up against us this time?

You have to think so. They will be hurting after last week’s game and they will want to get revenge for the 3-0 loss to Chelsea earlier in the season. We’ll also have a couple of key players available from the start - Bendtner in particular - who will have a big impact on the game.

Everyone knows we’re well dodgy when it comes to set-pieces but where do you see Chelsea’s weakness?

From what I’ve seen Chelsea’s major weakness appears to be getting three points when they have an off-day. It’s widely publicised that Arsenal struggle to get the points when we play badly but I feel that could be applied to you guys as well. Everton at Stamford Bridge is one example, Hull midweek is another.

Where’s your weakness?

Our biggest weakness is defensive. Vermaelen and Gallas have formed a beautiful partnership at the back but our style of play means they are often left exposed. Manuel Almunia has had a season to forget in goals, Clichy is struggling a bit at the moment and Denilson is not contributing much either.

How do you see the top four finishing this season?

Well, my prediction at the start of the season was Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. I still think it will finish that way, although any one of the top three could win it.

Who’s been your player of the season?

There are three that have stood out - Thomas Vermaelen, Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song. Vermaelen has noticeably improved our defence and plays well virtually every game, Fabregas is scoring goals for fun but for me Song has been the best and most consistent thus far. His presence has added grit and calm to our midfield and improved the players around him.

Which Chelsea player would you have in your team?

You cannot go past Didier Drogba - he would improve our team perhaps more than any other player in the world. Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner’s absence has probably added to that thought but we’d be a hard team to stop with Drogba up front.

Which Chelsea player should you watch out for this weekend?

Easy - Drogba. He usually scores and he needs to be stopped. Easier said and done though.

It seems Eduardo will miss Sunday’s game, but how much will the game miss him?

Not much to be honest. His absence may turn out to be a blessing in disguise with Nicklas Bendtner back. 

Which of your players might cause us problems?

If Cesc gets space he will hurt you. Andrey Arshavin looked up for it against United and tends to flourish when he plays with Bendter. He’ll be one to watch. Defensively Vermaelen will be keen to get on top of Drogba while Song is a key too. We’ll need a good performance though.

Can you see Fabregas going to Barca?

Eventually, yes, although it’s not for certain. Most articles in the media about Cesc going to Barcelona have nothing to do with him PLAYING for them, just about him wanting to return home at some point in his life to live there, which makes sense of course. He’s only 22 now and I’d expect him to stay at least until his peak - if Arsenal start winning trophies again he may well stick around for the long haul.

Ashley Cole returns for this one, how much are you looking forward to seeing him again?

About as much as a kick to the ribs. Hopefully whoever plays on him can give him a serious runaround.

Finally, what’s your prediction for the game?

With Chelsea on top and Arsenal desperate for points, a draw is probably the smart bet. I’ll go for 1-1, which would certainly keep us in the title race.

Cheers Andy.

Filed under: Interview, Match Day, Rivals