Arsenal were the last team to win at Stamford Bridge in November 2008 but they have lost heavily to Chelsea in their two league games since and defeat at the weekend would be a major blow to their hopes of winning the title. The Blues missed out on the chance to open up a four-point lead at the top when they could only draw at Hull on Tuesday night but will be strengthened by the return of left back Ashley Cole at left back, while the Gunners hope to have midfielder Abou Diaby available again after injury.

Quick Check

Chelsea

  • Ashley Cole is set to return at left back against his former side after an ankle problem.
  • Jon-Obi Mikel is available for a recall after returning from the African Cup of Nations.
  • England star Frank Lampard has scored four goals in his last four league appearances.
  • Didier Drogba has scored 14 goals in his last 16 games.
  • Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 matches in all competitions.
  • The Blues have a 100 per cent record against the ‘Big Four’ teams this season, winning all three.
  • Carlo Ancelotti’s team won 3-0 at Arsenal in November with Drogba scoring twice.
  • Chelsea have dropped only two points in 12 home games this season.
  • Brazilian Juliano Belletti is still struggling with a calf problem.
  • Midfielder Michael Essien will be out for at least another fortnight after knee surgery.
  • Full back Jose Bosingwa is out until the end of the month with a knee injury.

Arsenal

  • Midfielder Abou Diaby is hoping to return after ten days out with a calf strain.
  • Arsenal’s defeat to Man United last weekend was their first in 11 league games.
  • Captain Cesc Fabregas has scored five goals in his last six games.
  • The Gunners were the last team to triumph at Stamford Bridge when they won 2-1 in November 2008.
  • Strikers Eduardo and Carlos Vela have been ruled out by injury.
  • Arsenal have conceded seven goals against Chelsea in their last two meetings.
  • Kieran Gibbs will miss the rest of the season with a foot problem.
  • Dutch star Robin van Persie could miss the rest of the campaign with an ankle injury.
  • Defender Johan Djourou has been ruled out for the campaign with a knee problem.

Expert Advice

There is plenty on the line for both teams as they prepare to square up at Stamford Bridge in one of the most important games of the season. Doing the double over Arsenal would be a major psychological boost for Chelsea and send out a message of intent to their nearest challengers Manchester United, while a Gunners victory would put them back in the title race. The Blues will be as difficult as ever to beat at home and are close to being at full strength, but there have been signs in the last week that the John Terry situation off the pitch is starting to have an affect on events on it. The visitors were heavily beaten by United last weekend but should be able to welcome back some key players for the clash. Chelsea may well have won the last two meetings between the two sides convincingly but a much closer game looks in prospect, with Betsson’s price of 1.85 for there to be over 2.5 goals appearing a more sound bet.

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