Arsenal V Chelsea- Match Preview for Monday

Monday, December 27

Arsenal V Chelsea

Emirates Stadium

Kick-off: 20.00 GMT

In an important encounter,  Arsenal and Chelsea would come tete-a-tete on Monday night to better their credentials. Both the teams have had some bad losses in the season which Chelsea losing to Liverpool, Sunderland,and Birmingham which as a result brought them to the fourth position.Whereas, Arsenal on the other hand faced a first defeat at home to local rivals Tottenham in 17 years, also  last week they lost to Manchester United 1-0 with Ji Sung Park making the decisive goal. But  Wenger's victories against  Fulham and Wigan have kept them in the run in the top three of the table. If Arsenal wins and Manchester United loses to Sunderland on the Boxing day, they will top the table.

Arsenal have 19 home goals, the second best in he Premier League, but they have also conceded 10 at the Emirates, the most of the top six teams in the table.But talking about their had to head comparison Arsenal have not had a happy story.Wenger's team has lost last four encounters with Chelsea. Earlier this season, at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-0 when Didier Drogba maintained his impressive record against the London rivals.The Ivory Coast striker has now scored 13 goals in his last 11 games, in all competitions, against Arsenal.They are also in a knack of dominating possession but some way or the another lose to Chelsea during key matches.Arsenal is struggling through their worst spell since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003.

In the team information defenders Alex and Jose Bosingwa are out for Chelsea, along with midfielder Yossi Benayoun.With Manuel Almunia injured and Lukasz Fabianski doubtful, Wojciech Szczesny may continue to deputise in the Arsenal goal.The continuing absence of centreback Thomas Vermaelen leaves the questionable pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci to attempt to cope with Drogba, but Arsenal are at least nearing a clean bill of health further forward.

If Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas can finally remain injury-free, together with the in-from Sami Nasri they may prove decisive, not just against Chelsea, but throughout the remainder of the season.

Players to watch out for:

Didier Drogba- Chelsea

Samir Nasri   - Arsenal

Expected Result: 

Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal