Arsenal defeated Reading last week 2-0. The scorers for Arsenal were Adebayor and Gilbertoand the win could have been even more convincing if Van Persie and Wallcot hadn’t hit the post. Gunners are safe on the third position and it depends on the result of the clash, Manchester United – Chelsea, if they will be in the contention for the second place that means direct qualification to the Champions League. They are the absolute favorites against Derby and it would be a genuine surprise if they didn’t take t here points. Wenger will be without several players for this game – Sagna, Flamini, Diaby and Rosicky are injured while Hleb is suspended until the end of the season, so some of the players that didn’t get much chance this season, like the goalie Fabianski, might get their shot.
Derby will not surrender...
At Upton Park, Derby gave another solid performance and troubled West Ham. Still, rams’ defense was breached two times so they went home from Pride Park empty-handed. In this round, they are playing against another London team, Arsenal. In September, at Emirates Stadium, Gunners won 5-0 and the only question now is if the Rams will resist tem significantly.