Chelsea vs Arsenal - English Premier League

Chelsea vs Arsenal.
Premier League : 10. Round
Date : 29. October 2011
Stadium: Stamford Bridge, London

Saturday's big game pits London rivals Chelsea against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. After a gruelling extra time victory against Everton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night (much of which was played with ten men) some members of Chelsea's squad may be tired, but fortunately André Villas-Boas has a wealth of talent at his disposal.

Arsenal came from behind to beat Bolton in their midweek game at the Emirates, but the fact that this game is at Stamford Bridge will cause some concern for the Gunners. They haven't won an away game in the league for eight games, their worst run in nearly 20 years, and this game doesn't look like an easy opportunity to arrest that run. Injuries to Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson mean problems in defence for Arsene Wenger, although Thomas Vermaelen claimed to be nearing a return in a recent interview.

Chelsea will be without Didier Drogba, who is suspended, and Ramires has been kept out of the side of late with a knee injury. Despite signs of improvement from Fernando Torres, Drogba's absence is a big blow to the Blues as he has a great record against Arsenal - 13 goals in 14 games. Nicolas Anelka's recent indifferent performances, including a penalty miss on Wednesday night, mean this might be Romelu Lukaku's chance to shine.

Head to Head :
Last Meeting : 27. December 2010: Arsenal 3 - 1 Chelsea
Wins Chelsea : 50
Wins Arsenal : 68
Draws : 49

Recent Performance :
Chelsea - W/W/W/L/W
Arsenal - L/W/W/W/W

Possible Line-Ups :
Chelsea : Hilario - Cole, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Ramires, Lampard, Mikel, Torres, Kalou, Anelka.
Arsenal : Fabiański - Vermaelen, Squillaci, Miquel, Arshavin, Frimpong, Benayoun, Coquelin, Yennaris, Park, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Betting Tip / Prediction :
Saturday's big game pits London rivals Chelsea against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. After a gruelling extra time victory against Everton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night (much of which was played with ten men) some members of Chelsea's squad may be tired, but fortunately André Villas-Boas has a wealth of talent at his disposal.
Our prediction : Draw