Even before Arsenal lost to Watford on Tuesday night, it was looking like the Gunners would need a win against Chelsea this weekend to keep our hopes of the Premier League title alive. At least the current league leaders did not win their own midweek game against Liverpool, but they did get a point and all Arsenal fans know that nothing less than a win will do for us at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
That means that Arsene Wenger needs to be adventurous with his tactics and set the side up to attack the home team and that would normally mean Olivier Giroud starting as our centre forward, but not this time, as I expect the big Frenchman to be starting this crucial clash on the subs bench.
I do not think it will be Alexis Sanchez leading the line either, but Danny Welbeck who looked as sharp as a razor on his first start since May. That performance in the FA cup against Southampton suggested that Welbeck can do the same sort of target man job as Giroud and his goals will have given the boss confidence in his finishing.
Crucially though, is the fact that Welbeck also adds the pace that Giroud lacks and while Wenger will be hoping that Arsenal dominate, the chances are that a counter attack against a strong and in form side on their own ground could be the best scoring option.
It surely has to be Welbeck starting on Saturday with Alexis and Walcott either side don’t you think Gooners?
Bob.