This sunday: Arsenal take on title contenders, away at Chelsea.While the funky playmaker Cesc Fabregas leave the doors to his future wide open with a subtle complaints regarding the absence of an official interest [in him] from the Blaugranastan, a folkish Russian winger Yuri Zhirkov insists that journalists write about his determination to sit on Stamford Bridge comfy bench for another chance to put long deserved pressure on Ashley Cole. In any case, for Zhirkov, he could fill in the gap in midfield.
Fabregas came from Barcelona's youth academy to the [then] Highbury side in 2003. He managed to play 0 premiership games for the last title winning Arsenal side of 03/04, all the while registering a single goal in three FA Cup appearances. Although his contribution for the Gunners since could be considered heroic, it was never enough to put Arsenal one above the very best in England or Europe.
Cesc got the style to suit any team that appreciates passing skills. His Arsenal days may suggest he needs more qualified partners to make his contributions worth a little more to achieve that title-winning result. This surely leads to him thinking about playing for Barcelona.
In reality, Cesc would cost a substantial amount of money. Deep down, Wenger might be tempted to cash in on him in order to assemble the defensive line anew, since massive injury list doesn't hinder much of Arsenal's scoring record, or to challenge a Top Four finish.
Making Your Case Count. What would surely convince Barca to purchase him? What would surely make him happy to stay, now at the Emirates, should Barca decide to pass on him? The answer to both questions is the same: a decisive victory over Chelsea this weekend.
Football walks the talk, and Zhirkov knows it like no other bench warmer. But he is a character who won't get satisfaction playing for Hamburg (no offense). There were good reasons for Zhirkov not to leave CSKA for so long, and that reason is: challenge. Ashley Cole has gone to score three goals in 21 league appearances this season, compare that to 1:34 last year, 1:50 in the two seasons before last. It's up to you how to take coincidences seriously, but this time, that coincidence is our Tambov-kid Yuri, who's not even a natural fullback. Gazzaev and Dinamo Kiev may have to spread more rumours if they are serious about loaning him.