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Arsenal vs Chelsea
Match Schedule
Date:27th Dec 2010
Time: 20:00 GMT
Live: Sky Sports 1,Sky Sports HD1,ESPN
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Barclays Premier League
The Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry was born in 1907 when the two first played against one other. This was the first time that two London teams had played each other in the First Division and drew a staggering capacity of 65,000.
Both are desperate to keep up with the title pace, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger describing the clash as a 'must-win game', while Chelsea counterpart Carlo Ancelotti has declared: "We don't want that gap (to United) to widen, so it's important to obtain an important result in this game."
As for the back, one suspects that Wenger might go for Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny again, although Johan Djourou has looked very good in his appearances this year, has pace, and offers more in the air than either of his French teammates.
Arsenal played well in October, but Chelsea finished their chances, and the Gunners did not. There was also concern after the match about the deployment of two holding midfielders for Arsenal against one for Chelsea. It will be interesting to see whether Arsène Wenger uses his favorite pair from this season, Alex Song and Jack Wilshere, or whether he opts to set out recent returnee Abou Diaby next to Song, or a more steady passer, Denilson.
The Blues are without a win in their last five games, a disappointing run of form that has seen them slip down from the top of the table to fourth. However they showed signs of returning to their best form after an excellent second half display against Tottenham in their last match, coming back from a goal down to collect a point from the game.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who scored but also missed a last-gasp penalty in the draw at White Hart Lane, will be looking to continue an amazing run against the Gunners of 13 strikes in 13 games, including five goals in the last three meetings.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his confidence that his side will now return to their winning ways, starting with all three points against Arsenal on Monday. Chelsea have recovered from their injury crisis with Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba all returning to full fitness though Jose Bosingwa, Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun remain sidelined.
Real Madrid Vs Barcelona
Match Schedule
Date: 29th November 2010
Time: 18:00 GMT
Competition: La Liga
Ground: Camp Nou
Live: Sky Sports,Ten Action
It’s first El Clasico of 2010-11 season, Real Madrid Vs Barcelona live stream from Catalunya’s Nou Camp stadium, on 29th November 2010. Both sides are separated with only just a difference of one point. Real Madrid currently on top, while Barcelona just a point behind them. The two teams are in good goal scoring form and have their star players in excellent form too, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Watch all the free live online coverage and highlights of the game.
The titans of Spanish football will face off next weekend at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in the traditional El Classico which will carry an even greater importance this time because it could decide the league title's destination. The two clubs are tied on top of la Liga with the same number of points but Los Galacticos are one goal ahead in terms of the goals scored and conceded differential.
Barca have the stronger defensive line while the hosts who are led by record signing Cristiano Ronaldo have the better offensive record. While some might see this clash as a duel between Ronaldo and Barca's Lionel Messi, this is far from the accurate truth as Los Galacticos have Gonzalo Higuain in their ranks and he is the club's top scorer with 23 goals to Ronaldo's 17. In Barca's case Messi might be the star who is on a level above everyone else but his teammates have a crucial role and their contribution cannot be underestimated. Messi might be the top scorer in la Liga with a stunning ratio of 26 goals in 27 matches and he has provided 9 assists, but midfielder Xavi Hernandez and full-back Daniel Alves have both given 7 assists this season. Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has contributed 15 league goals including the important winner in the match between the two earlier this season.
"You never know how the team will react," the 'Special One' told AS. "Physically we are fine and know what to do, but we face a team that has had a lot of time working together and we have only had a few months.
"But, in any case, we must be prepared for any eventuality."
He added: "It’s very important the coach has a clear idea of what he wants: how to play, how to
work each day. It is one thing to admire someone but something else to copy them.
Real Madrid have won all 15 of their home games so how will Barca cope with that and can they be the first to at least force a draw in Madrid? One key element for Barca will be how long their defenders can hold Real Madrid's offensive weapons, particularly Ronaldo, in check. The responsibility will fall on the shoulders of club captain Carles Puyol who will have to lead the back-line by example and keep an eye on not just on goal scorers Ronaldo and Higuain, but also be aware of the danger posed by Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Marcelo and Rafael Van der Vaart who all have at least 5 assists or more.
Mourinho's side are a point clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga, with the former Inter Milan boss' youngsters showing a more attacking style of play this season.
For the fans of either club the focus will be on achieving victory in order to push ahead with the drive for the Spanish title. Barca would like to retain their crown while Real Madrid are hoping to justify all their spending which reached stratospheric proportions. To some it might be just about Ronaldo versus Messi but who will be celebrating at the end of the match could very well depend on the contribution of their teammates.
