When both teams clashed in October, Chelsea ran out as 2-0 winners but there was so much controversy in the game. Following Leicester City’s impressive 3-0 win over Stoke, the Foxes are three points clear of the Gunners, so Arsenal has get maximum points against Chelsea if they want to return to the top of the table.
The Gunners will be hoping that their impressive home form will be to their advantage, as they have conceded just three goals at home in the Premier League this season, and that came in the opening fixture against West Ham and Yaya Toure’s strike against Manchester City. Since then, they have made the Emirates a fortress. With the Gunners getting three points against their rivals like Manchester United and Manchester City this season at home, they can receive a psychological boost if they add Chelsea to this list.
Since Guus Hiddink replaced Jose Mourinho, the Blues have been unbeaten, but they haven’t won much games, as they continue to get silly draws here and there. Another draw won’t do both sides any good though – Arsenal need a win to return to the summit of the table while Chelsea need one to ease themselves from their relegation struggles as they are just four points off 18th-placed Newcastle.
Arsenal Team News
According to the manager, he is still throwing caution to the wind regarding the fitness of Alexis Sanchez. He has also confirmed that Francis Coquelin has began full training but he’s still a few games away from match sharpness. Tomas Rosicky recently featured in an Under-21 game and the manager had some good news about Danny Welbeck, that he can return to full training next week.
The game would also mark the return of Mesut Ozil and his laceless boots, as the German schemer missed out the draw against Stoke with an inflamed foot. Arsene Wenger compared Ozil to the legendary Dennis Bergkamp and a piece was published on the official site. The boss also hailed Petr Cech, that is set to lock horns with his old teammates yet again. Cech had a stormer when both teams played in the Community Shield and I’m hoping he’d get a clean sheet today.
Arsenal Injury / Suspension News
Jack Wilshere (ankle), Danny Welbeck (knee), Santi Cazorla (knee), Francis Coquelin (lack of match fitness), Alexis Sanchez (lack of match fitness), Tomas Rosicky (lack of match fitness)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Chelsea Team News
The Blues will be boosted with the news that Eden Hazard has been declared fit for the encounter, even though he has been in torrid form this season. There is also need of a potential move for SC Corinthians Alexandre Pato, and they would be hopeful to seal a deal before the transfer window shuts.
Diego Costa has started scoring again too, which is a positive for the team.
Chelsea Injury / Suspension News
Radamel Falcao (muscle)
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Team Form
Arsenal
- Last Five Games: W W W D D
- Last Result: Stoke 0 – Arsenal 0
- Leading Goalscorer: Olivier Giroud (18)
Chelsea
- Last Five Games: D W W D D
- Last Result: Chelsea 3 (Costa 64′, Fabregas 66′, Terry 90′) – Everton 3 (Terry o.g. 50′, Mirallas 56′, Funes Mori 90′)
- Leading Goalscorer: Willian (8)
Gooner Daily predicts a 2 – 0 win.
Sayonara.
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