Stormy weather for Wenger….

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, it’s Sky Sports for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Spent ages trying to get something to rhyme with that and ended up with that load of rubbish.

Can’t promise snow but wind, rain, storms etc all seem likely to play their part in what should be a real pre-Christmas cracker (Enough Christmas references, Editor).

How lucky we are that that ‘random’ fixture generating computer was clever enough to pick this for the Monday before the Christmas break. Said without a hint of cynicism.

To be fair though when the fixtures came out we didn’t know quite how important it would be for both sides.

Arsenal will reclaim the lead if they win and Chelsea will share the lead at Christmas with Liverpool if the three points go their way.

And Chelsea will fancy their chances, they have a good recent record against the Gunners….

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Oct 2013 Capital One Cup Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea
Jan 2013 Premier Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal
Sep 2012 Premier Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
Apr 2012 Premier Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
Oct 2011 Premier Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal
Dec 2010 Premier Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Oct 2010 Premier Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Feb 2010 Premier Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Nov 2009 Premier Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea
May 2009 Premier Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is ruled out because of a cut to his knee.

Jack Wilshere begins a two-game ban for misconduct, but Lukas Podolski is available to make his comeback from a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is to return to the substitutes’ bench at best at his former club.

And Mourinho is definitely the bogey man for Wenger who has never won against Mourinho as an opposition manager. His record is four draws and five defeats in nine league and cup games.

A nice late winner for Everton was very handy for the column yesterday and a small profit.

Tonight we’re going low on the goal tally with Star Spreads. Partly weather inspired.

ADVICE

SELL TOTAL GOALS at around 2.85

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.