Chelsea skipper James is back in the fold after a long lay-off. — AFP
THERE is every likelihood that Chelsea’s clash with Arsenal in the English Premiership tomorrow could go the same way their visit to Manchester United last weekend went – a boring draw.
These two sides, who are fourth and fifth respectively in the league standings, consider themselves genuine title contenders, but not everyone shares this enthusiasm.
And it is for this reason that maybe the London derby at Stamford Bridge will indeed develop into a fierce, bare-knuckled brawl that their rivalry has simmering just beneath the surface.
These are bitter enemies, though one wouldn’t believe it by the kind gestures their managers often share in public.
For their fans, it’s different story altogether – it’s a state of affairs that borders on almost total disdain for the other. Mutual respect comes in at 0.01%, and that’s being generous.
Arsenal’s much-hyped quest for a first league title in more than two decades seems to be unravelling at an alarming pace.
They are seven points behind leaders Liverpool, and defeat tomorrow would certainly spell the end of their chances in the eyes of many, including some of their own followers.
As things stand, Chelsea appear to hold a slight edge over the Gunners, albeit a marginal one.
Both have managed 18 points from their opening 10 fixtures, and the Blues are ahead in the standings by virtue of a better goal difference.
They also appear to play with more balance across the park under Enzo Maresca, and they have a great deal more depth in their squad.
Chelsea, who were down to play Noah in the Uefa Conference League on Thursday, had Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Pedro Neto in sparkling form at Old Trafford, and they could well be the trio to lead the home side past Arsenal tomorrow.
For his part, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have been buoyed by the news this week that skipper Martin Odegaard is back in the fold, even if he is only in training.
Concerns remain about Declan Rice, who picked up a niggling injury last week and then played on in the defeat to Newcastle despite this.
He was ruled out for the Champions League defeat at Inter Milan and now faces a race to be fit for the showdown with Chelsea.
If absent, it could yet turn the tide more tellingly in the Blues’ favour, and given where they are, Arsenal can hardly afford to lose this one.
With all this and a lot more unfolding as we approach kick-off, the chance of this game meandering towards a draw like the weekend is fading fast.
Liverpool lead the standings, and a victory of any sort over Aston Villa would keep them at the summit for a second successive international break.
Arne Slot has worked some kind of magic since taking over in the off-season, and their faithful following will be keen for yet another win – and clean sheet too.
The Reds have been a joy to watch in this campaign thus far.
That damper against Nottingham Forest, their only defeat to date this season, is put into perspective when considering Nuno Espirito Santo’s young side is up to third on the log – nothing short of outstanding.
Unai Emery’s Villans have been just as impressive, even if they did lose in Europe in midweek. They are eighth in the standings but only seven off Liverpool’s lead. A right result in the late kick-off today, and things will open once again at the top.
One suspects that there’ll be goals in this, although maybe no more than to win it.
Leicester will do well to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford, more so with the impending arrival of Ruben Amorim, who takes over next week.
That buzz alone should get the Red Devils past the Foxes in a game marked with individual moments rather than collective team efforts.
