Arsenal News 24/7Writer: Site Staff 
Date:Thursday April 16 2009
Time: 6:05PM
UK time is: 14:01:18
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Cascarino Tips Arsenal To Beat Chelsea
Tony Cascarino, pundit for the New Football Pools tips Arsenal to beat Chelsea this weekend.
'I think Arsenal will beat Chelsea in the FA Cup semi this weekend for the simple reason that they`re playing the best football in the Premier League at the moment. It`s no real surprise that the Gunners return to form has coincided with the return to fitness of Arsenal`s big hitters Emmanuel Adebayor, Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas. These players should give the Gunners the edge at Wembley.
One factor for both sides is their midweek Champions League exertions. Although both teams went through, Arsenal cruised through their match with Villarreal while Chelsea may be physically and mentally drained from their clash with Liverpool. Guus Hiddink`s side really had to fight to get through on Tuesday and I`m not sure they`ve got another really big performance left in them.
Didier Drogba`s performance is key to Chelsea`s hopes as a good, fit Drogba is a handful for any defence. That`s if he is not sulking or adopting a 'Billy big time` attitude which he is prone to. He has a strange personality where everything has to revolve around him. This was evident in last year`s Champions League final when he let the side down with his behavior believing the whole night was all about himself rather than the team. If Didier turns up on Saturday ready to go toe to toe with the Gunners defence Gladiatorial side then he will be very hard to play against. The big striker needs Hiddink to keep on top of him performance-wise so he doesn`t lapse into selfish mode.
I don`t expect many tactical reshuffles for this game from either side. Arsenal play their own way and Hiddink has nailed his colours to the mast for Chelsea in terms of playing with two wide men and Drogba through the centre with a 3-man midfield in behind them. The Dutchman has generally gone with Kalou and Malouda in those wide positions and they seem to have settled into those roles far better than for previous managers.
Defensively Chelsea are extremely vulnerable with Petr Cech hardly resembling the world class number 1 that played under Jose Mourinho. He is not the only one looking shaky. Ashley Cole may have been brilliant at the start of the season but he`s not looked as solid since. I also prefer the Chelsea backline when Ricardo Carvalho plays alongside John Terry as he is a better defender than Alex. However, Hiddink seems to prefer the Brazilian despite the number of goals being conceded.
Michael Essien has been a major plus for Chelsea mainly for his tackling and the way he tracks opposition midfielders. The Ghanaian drops into holes that both Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack don`t want to fill so gives the team far more balance when he plays. For me, John Obi Mikel is a poor man`s Essien and not in the same class.
In terms of form I would have to back Arsenal to reach the final as they are defending well and scoring goals which can`t be said of Chelsea defensively at the moment.'
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Your Comments
Wembley and Rome here we come...
jess_farenesh
Wembley and Rome here we come...
jess_farenesh
Are u people serious or just fooling yourselves with such ludicrous thoughts? Surely there's no way your fourth graders are going to make it past the famous world beaters of Manchester United! That is the end of the road for you in UCL and so it is for us too against Barcelona.
Tambling
Are u people serious or just fooling yourselves with such ludicrous thoughts? Surely there's no way your fourth graders are going to make it past the famous world beaters of Manchester United! That is the end of the road for you in UCL and so it is for us too against Barcelona.
Tambling
Tambling, we may not win, but we have no reason on earth to believe we can't.
ArsenalRob
Tambling, we may not win, but we have no reason on earth to believe we can't.
ArsenalRob
Tambling, The arrogance of your club and your fans is beyond measure, you assumed you'd stroll past Porto and instead you limped past unconvincingly. I hope you're as cocky and poor against us as you've been recently, and as complacent at home as you were against Porto.you and your fellow fans need a slap to bring your egos crashing back down to Earth.
ExRox
Tambling, The arrogance of your club and your fans is beyond measure, you assumed you'd stroll past Porto and instead you limped past unconvincingly. I hope you're as cocky and poor against us as you've been recently, and as complacent at home as you were against Porto.you and your fellow fans need a slap to bring your egos crashing back down to Earth.
ExRox
sorry your a Chavski fan nevermind
ExRox
sorry your a Chavski fan nevermind
ExRox
What? Listen, this team already whipped your asses this season. It's you who are deluded, BIG TIME.
julieloveshenry4ever
What? Listen, this team already whipped your asses this season. It's you who are deluded, BIG TIME.
julieloveshenry4ever
Haha... the gunners (or perhaps gonners) are trying to inspire themselves through a stupid worthless article written by tony! that scum bag! You guys will get dragged down and washed on saturday... You will get beaten so bad, wenger will start thinking of his retirement. Haven't you Ass-anal cowards learnt from liverpool about what bragging can do to your team?!
What a shame! From chelsea's premier lady!!!!
jessica_BLUE
Haha... the gunners (or perhaps gonners) are trying to inspire themselves through a stupid worthless article written by tony! that scum bag! You guys will get dragged down and washed on saturday... You will get beaten so bad, wenger will start thinking of his retirement. Haven't you Ass-anal cowards learnt from liverpool about what bragging can do to your team?!
What a shame! From chelsea's premier lady!!!!
jessica_BLUE
Your form is terrific, no doubt about it. Thing is, Villareal is a decent side and nothing more. Your domestic form asserts only your dominance over mediocre squads. Chelsea has a fit DD and and a fit Esien now. It won't be easy! Good luck to you on Saturday.
RadioactiveD
Your form is terrific, no doubt about it. Thing is, Villareal is a decent side and nothing more. Your domestic form asserts only your dominance over mediocre squads. Chelsea has a fit DD and and a fit Esien now. It won't be easy! Good luck to you on Saturday.
RadioactiveD
jessica_BLUE all us gooners know Cascarino is a mug, I just happened to stumble upon the unusual prospect of someone actually tipping us for success in a big game, and took a look. To be honest, I think you are favourites for Saturday. I don't think our injury-struck defence will be able to cope with Drogba etc, but as gooners we have learned never to write our team off, because they usually turn up when they're needed most. usually...
ArsenalRob
jessica_BLUE all us gooners know Cascarino is a mug, I just happened to stumble upon the unusual prospect of someone actually tipping us for success in a big game, and took a look. To be honest, I think you are favourites for Saturday. I don't think our injury-struck defence will be able to cope with Drogba etc, but as gooners we have learned never to write our team off, because they usually turn up when they're needed most. usually...
ArsenalRob
Tony Cascarino is poor as a football writer. He's almost never impressed me with his Times articles. But this one does have some valid points, I give him that. But despite my obvious bias and near-blind optimism in the Gunners, I think he overstated Drogba's problems a little bit as he's played well ever since Hiddink joined. He also underestimated Chelsea's strength cos, despite their defensive woes, they quite normally play their best games against us, given the London derby spirit and all that. And Jessica, in case you couldn't read or didn't, the article is just a little content syndication effort, put in place by the Vital site staff, not any Gooners around here. I'm afraid you've embarrassed yourself with you, let's just say, over-zealous attack on 'Gooners' 'bragging' about our team. It's just Cascarino's own bragging.
GoonerLou
Tony Cascarino is poor as a football writer. He's almost never impressed me with his Times articles. But this one does have some valid points, I give him that. But despite my obvious bias and near-blind optimism in the Gunners, I think he overstated Drogba's problems a little bit as he's played well ever since Hiddink joined. He also underestimated Chelsea's strength cos, despite their defensive woes, they quite normally play their best games against us, given the London derby spirit and all that. And Jessica, in case you couldn't read or didn't, the article is just a little content syndication effort, put in place by the Vital site staff, not any Gooners around here. I'm afraid you've embarrassed yourself with you, let's just say, over-zealous attack on 'Gooners' 'bragging' about our team. It's just Cascarino's own bragging.
GoonerLou
And er Jessica, I find the 'lady' bit quite ironic (in a cute way, don't worry), given your dramatic post. I almost thought I saw your raising fists in the air. What a comedy. From Arsenal's amused girl.
GoonerLou
And er Jessica, I find the 'lady' bit quite ironic (in a cute way, don't worry), given your dramatic post. I almost thought I saw your raising fists in the air. What a comedy. From Arsenal's amused girl.
GoonerLou
Actually, I was raising my fists in the air and there is nothing to be amused about... let's wait and see who'll be amused after the game on saturday.
jessica_BLUE
Actually, I was raising my fists in the air and there is nothing to be amused about... let's wait and see who'll be amused after the game on saturday.
jessica_BLUE
Well as I say I find your passion cute, no offence intended. We all raise fists when it comes to our teams. It seems to promise to be as an exciting game, so all should be entertained, even if not amused. Can't wait! Back on topic, we had an easier game than Chelsea did midweek but they're having 1 day more to rest, so I guess the physical factor wouldn't be big. It's more of the fact that, as Cascarino also pointed out, we had a less challenging game and had been on a steady good run, but Chelsea had to endure some nervy moments against both Bolton and Liverpool, so I think it's more a psychological thing. On paper Chelsea's experienced guys e.g. Cech should have the character to come back so I wouldn't say it's a huge advantage to us. What could be a plus though is a well rested and all fired up AA who's itching to play and a confident team that is going to the new Wembley for the first time.
GoonerLou
Well as I say I find your passion cute, no offence intended. We all raise fists when it comes to our teams. It seems to promise to be as an exciting game, so all should be entertained, even if not amused. Can't wait! Back on topic, we had an easier game than Chelsea did midweek but they're having 1 day more to rest, so I guess the physical factor wouldn't be big. It's more of the fact that, as Cascarino also pointed out, we had a less challenging game and had been on a steady good run, but Chelsea had to endure some nervy moments against both Bolton and Liverpool, so I think it's more a psychological thing. On paper Chelsea's experienced guys e.g. Cech should have the character to come back so I wouldn't say it's a huge advantage to us. What could be a plus though is a well rested and all fired up AA who's itching to play and a confident team that is going to the new Wembley for the first time.
GoonerLou
Both teams are in form but on the day Chelsea will win. Drogs has spent seasons tormenting you gooners and tomorrow will be no different. Remember the scared loook on Stederos face after clashing with Drogba, i don't think he's played football since then, he's still having nightmares. You haven't come up against anyone creditable in the last few weeks and you think you're going to Rome and Wembley - Good luck losers, i'll put£100 on you losing you next 2 games
Gleeson_23
Both teams are in form but on the day Chelsea will win. Drogs has spent seasons tormenting you gooners and tomorrow will be no different. Remember the scared loook on Stederos face after clashing with Drogba, i don't think he's played football since then, he's still having nightmares. You haven't come up against anyone creditable in the last few weeks and you think you're going to Rome and Wembley - Good luck losers, i'll put£100 on you losing you next 2 games
Gleeson_23
"but as gooners we have learned never to write our team off, because they usually turn up when they're needed most. usually..." ArsenalRob. Well said fella. Unlike Chelsea last season, when it really mattered their bottle went 3 times, nuff said really.
LondonGooner
"but as gooners we have learned never to write our team off, because they usually turn up when they're needed most. usually..." ArsenalRob. Well said fella. Unlike Chelsea last season, when it really mattered their bottle went 3 times, nuff said really.
LondonGooner
who are you saddos anyway, with NO history or class whatsoever? Just a load of blood money. Everybody knows Chelski are the anti-Christ of football. Sod off back to your own pathetic sites. And best hope there are no puddles on Saturday. Haven't played anyone decent? Get lost! Our team have seem off both Man U and Chelski once this season, when we were completely off-form. You will lose on Saturday and Barca will tan your hides too. And where is your unfounded boasting coming from? Your team made a nice attempt at slitting its own throat on Tuesday. And letting in seven goals on 2 games? Nice! Make sure dopey Cech has a metal hat on for Saturday- he's going to need it. And "lady?" I don't think so.
julieloveshenry4ever
who are you saddos anyway, with NO history or class whatsoever? Just a load of blood money. Everybody knows Chelski are the anti-Christ of football. Sod off back to your own pathetic sites. And best hope there are no puddles on Saturday. Haven't played anyone decent? Get lost! Our team have seem off both Man U and Chelski once this season, when we were completely off-form. You will lose on Saturday and Barca will tan your hides too. And where is your unfounded boasting coming from? Your team made a nice attempt at slitting its own throat on Tuesday. And letting in seven goals on 2 games? Nice! Make sure dopey Cech has a metal hat on for Saturday- he's going to need it. And "lady?" I don't think so.
julieloveshenry4ever
Chavski fans still a bunch of arrogant *****s I see.
iceman10
Chavski fans still a bunch of arrogant *****s I see.
iceman10
RadioactiveD lol our demestic form only asserts our dominance over mediocre squards.. Dont make me laugh. Chelsea vs: Man u - 1-1, 3-0, Liverpool - 0-1, 2-0, Arsenal - 1-2. Total points collected 1/15. Arsenal vs: Man u - 2-1, Chelsea, 1-2, Liverpool 1-1. Total points collected 7/9. Dominance over mediocre squads...Dont make me laugh.
gunner24
RadioactiveD lol our demestic form only asserts our dominance over mediocre squards.. Dont make me laugh. Chelsea vs: Man u - 1-1, 3-0, Liverpool - 0-1, 2-0, Arsenal - 1-2. Total points collected 1/15. Arsenal vs: Man u - 2-1, Chelsea, 1-2, Liverpool 1-1. Total points collected 7/9. Dominance over mediocre squads...Dont make me laugh.
gunner24
The problem with punditry is that sometimes you say something that people agree with, and we get all defensive and argue that "Duh, we all know that", but isn't he just being correct in his analysis. We can't just bull**** our way into being classed as an expert, the way Myles does it. Maybe he is not the best out there, but at least we tend to agree with him.
Tom14
The problem with punditry is that sometimes you say something that people agree with, and we get all defensive and argue that "Duh, we all know that", but isn't he just being correct in his analysis. We can't just bull**** our way into being classed as an expert, the way Myles does it. Maybe he is not the best out there, but at least we tend to agree with him.
Tom14
jessica_BLUE - Haven't you learnt to support a team with dignity, class, history and with fans that will sell out every game? Now run along put the kettle on eh luv? lol
LondonGooner
jessica_BLUE - Haven't you learnt to support a team with dignity, class, history and with fans that will sell out every game? Now run along put the kettle on eh luv? lol
LondonGooner
what are the gooner pub options around the ground for tomorrow?
polski14
what are the gooner pub options around the ground for tomorrow?
polski14
Rubbish Article THE ONLY WAYS ARSENAL CAN BEAT CHELSEA this should be the headlines.Anyhow all the best and please please knock the ManU's in UCL>Lets have the final between us.Pray for us and we both need that trophy badly.LOL
Saimon_blues
Rubbish Article THE ONLY WAYS ARSENAL CAN BEAT CHELSEA this should be the headlines.Anyhow all the best and please please knock the ManU's in UCL>Lets have the final between us.Pray for us and we both need that trophy badly.LOL
Saimon_blues
A\To gunner24; your stats are purely stupid the fact that we've collected only 1 point against all the big 4 teams this season means nothing (ask liverpool who beat us home and away). We were playing under a clueless scolari. Now we have Hiddink, a hungry Drogba and a fit essien. Let's wait and see
jessica_BLUE
A\To gunner24; your stats are purely stupid the fact that we've collected only 1 point against all the big 4 teams this season means nothing (ask liverpool who beat us home and away). We were playing under a clueless scolari. Now we have Hiddink, a hungry Drogba and a fit essien. Let's wait and see
jessica_BLUE
Wow, you have a the most selfish player in the premiership who plays only when he feels like it and a coach who is only here until may. Quaking in our boots.
iceman10
Wow, you have a the most selfish player in the premiership who plays only when he feels like it and a coach who is only here until may. Quaking in our boots.
iceman10
jessica_BLUE, please don't come to this place. Can't u see this isn't exactly the proper place to spark up a meaningful conversation...pathetic inert site full of tranvestites braying all the time, to prove their loyalty to a trophyless, senile, good for nothing 5th spot hunter club.
Tambling
jessica_BLUE, please don't come to this place. Can't u see this isn't exactly the proper place to spark up a meaningful conversation...pathetic inert site full of tranvestites braying all the time, to prove their loyalty to a trophyless, senile, good for nothing 5th spot hunter club.
Tambling
It was my mistake to have come here in the first place. and LondonGooner, that remark you made at jessica clearly shows how cultured, classy and sophisticated you and your club supporters are. Tell me boy, do you always talk like that, even at home to your sisters and mother??
Tambling
It was my mistake to have come here in the first place. and LondonGooner, that remark you made at jessica clearly shows how cultured, classy and sophisticated you and your club supporters are. Tell me boy, do you always talk like that, even at home to your sisters and mother??
Tambling
so tambling, i guess u are her because of u are one of this "tranvestites braying all the time, to prove their loyalty to a trophyless, senile, good for nothing 5th spot hunter club" fella right..
my_gunners
so tambling, i guess u are her because of u are one of this "tranvestites braying all the time, to prove their loyalty to a trophyless, senile, good for nothing 5th spot hunter club" fella right..
my_gunners
Tambling < Glad to see you got taht off your chest.. Now could you please just **** off and go talk about fast food, pubs, super-frank...:) or whatever you guys talk about on vital chelski
gunner24
Tambling < Glad to see you got taht off your chest.. Now could you please just **** off and go talk about fast food, pubs, super-frank...:) or whatever you guys talk about on vital chelski
gunner24
Back to the point of this item.....THE GAME ....Which i think Arsenal will win in style....I say 3-0 to Arsenal
quietman
Back to the point of this item.....THE GAME ....Which i think Arsenal will win in style....I say 3-0 to Arsenal
quietman
Thank you so much gunnert24 and my_gunners. Glad you helped clear my nagging doubts regarding that previous anxiety I expressed about LondonGooner and his traditional Arsenal ways. What more could you expect.
Tambling
Thank you so much gunnert24 and my_gunners. Glad you helped clear my nagging doubts regarding that previous anxiety I expressed about LondonGooner and his traditional Arsenal ways. What more could you expect.
Tambling
I guess stupid Tony should stop writing articles!!! Drogba tore ass-anal fc a new ass hole again
jessica_BLUE
I guess stupid Tony should stop writing articles!!! Drogba tore ass-anal fc a new ass hole again
jessica_BLUE
tambling, you're my pal but plz don't insult Arsenel fans. Keep the conversation civil. Every fan has a right to believe they will win. Has Cascarino ever got a prediction right. Liverpool were to beat us in both legs and this one.
Taimur
tambling, you're my pal but plz don't insult Arsenel fans. Keep the conversation civil. Every fan has a right to believe they will win. Has Cascarino ever got a prediction right. Liverpool were to beat us in both legs and this one.
Taimur
Taimur, evidently u have a soft corner for Arsenal. That's OK. No problem. But how could you condone such impolite, sarcastic behaviour dished out to a girl? Surely she deserves better. Yaar, ye thik nahi hai,,kisiko ko to jawab dena hi thha usko!!Khair chhoro.
Tambling
Taimur, evidently u have a soft corner for Arsenal. That's OK. No problem. But how could you condone such impolite, sarcastic behaviour dished out to a girl? Surely she deserves better. Yaar, ye thik nahi hai,,kisiko ko to jawab dena hi thha usko!!Khair chhoro.
Tambling
iceman i hope the quaking has stopped!!
springy
iceman i hope the quaking has stopped!!
springy
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