Probable Lineups

4-3-3
Chelsea
4-3-3
Arsenal
© WhoScored.com

Probable Lineups Statistical Comparision

(63) 46 Goals 52 (73)
(48) 38 Assists 37 (56)
(6.7) 6.8 Average Ratings 6.9 (6.5)
29.1 Average Age 27
183.8 Average Height (cm) 184.5
(1.3) 1.4 Shots pg 1.4 (1.1)
(56%) 57% Aerial Duel Success 50% (53%)
(0.5) 0.5 Dribbles pg 0.8 (0.7)
(1.5) 1.4 Tackles pg 1.5 (1.5)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in Premier League.

Missing Players

Player Reason Status Rating
Michael Essien Out 6.52
Didier Drogba Out 6.66
Ramires Doubtful 7.05
Player Reason Status Rating
Bacary Sagna Out 6.99
Jack Wilshere Out N/A
Yossi Benayoun Out 6.64
Vassiriki Abou Diaby Doubtful 6.28
Kieran Gibbs Doubtful 6.88
Carl Jenkinson Doubtful 6.16

Team News

Chelsea
  • Chelsea failed to keep up with pace-setters City at the top last weekend, contributing to their own downfall with two first half red cards in a 1-0 defeat at west London rivals QPR.
  • Didier Drogba was one of those to be dismissed in the game for an awful two footed tackle, but while one departs, another comes in, with Fernando Torres having served his three-match ban for a similar lunge last month.
  • Jose Bosingwa was the other player to get his marching orders, though he only received a one-match ban for a professional foul, which he served during the cup game with Everton on Wednesday, so the right-back is available.
  • David Luiz got the nod over Ivanovic at the back last time out but another costly error, giving away an early penalty, may see him drop to the bench.
Arsenal
  • Robin van Persie was rested from the start against Stoke last weekend but another heroic display ensured he was the match-winner once again, netting a brace from the bench. The Dutchman was also rested in midweek cup action, so is certain to start this big game.
  • Thomas Vermaelen made his long-awaited return to the side in the win over Bolton on Tuesday and is in line for a recall, while Arshavin and Park both scored and impressed, pushing for a league start.
  • Johan Djourou may have to cover at right-back as he did last time out with Sagna injured and Jenkinson also doubtful. Kieran Gibbs is also a doubt, meaning Andre Santos should continue at left-back.
  • Yossi Benayoun is ineligible to play due to the terms of his loan contract from Saturday's opponents.

Prediction

  • While Chelsea suffered a miserable defeat at QPR last time out, with the feisty game marred by allegations of racism from Chelsea and England captain John Terry, Arsenal are slowly starting to find their feet led by the talismanic van Persie and with Vermaelen also returning, look like a side who can compete with the best of them once again.
  • Chelsea have won 5 of their last 6 matches against the Gunners, including consecutive 2-0 wins in their most recent meetings at Stamford Bridge, though Arsenal came out on top the last time the sides met, ensuring Chelsea didn't have a very Merry Christmas with a 3-1 win last December.
  • Neither side have been solid at the back this season, with a formerly resolute Blues side going 8 games without a clean sheet while Arsenal have conceded the third most in the league (18), meaning goals should be a certainty in this one as Chelsea are likely to be fatigued having played 120 minutes of cup action on Wednesday, eventually beating Everton 2-1.
  • WHOSCORED.COM Predicts: Chelsea win 2-1
© WhoScored.com

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Head to Head Stats

R Team W D L Pts Form
3 Arsenal 21 7 10 70 wldddw
6 Chelsea 18 10 10 64 ddwllw

Top Players

Chelsea
Arsenal
J. Mata 7.31
F. Lampard 7.19
Ramires 7.05
R. v. Persie 7.8
M. Arteta 7.5
A. Song 7.05
F. Lampard 11
D. Sturridge 11
J. Terry 6
R. v. Persie 30
T. Walcott 8
M. Arteta 6
J. Mata 13
A. Cole 6
F. Lampard 5
A. Song 11
R. v. Persie 9
T. Walcott 8

Match Forecast

Arsenal will make a comeback if they go behind  
Chelsea will be shown a high number of cards  
Chelsea will score as a result of an opposition error  
Chelsea will create many scoring chances  
Arsenal will score as a result of an opposition error  
* Match forecast is generated from clashes in team characters.

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