Arsenal v Chelsea - 4pm - Emirates - Sky Sports 1

cson

London Derby, crucial to Arsenals title hopes that they win.

From Sky Sports;

Wenger facing dilemma
Anelka's chances of finding the target once again will be greatly helped by the defensive crisis currently giving Wenger a serious headache.

The Gunners are already set to be without Gael Clichy (back) and Kieran Gibbs (ankle) this weekend, while Swiss centre-half Johan Djourou (knee) is also sidelined.

The biggest worry for Arsenal, though, concerns William Gallas, with the Frenchman suffering eye and ankle knocks during their European encounter with Standard Liege in midweek.

Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Abou Diaby (calf) will be missing in midfield, while Robin van Persie (ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (hernia) are notable absentees up front.


Lampard could feature
Chelsea have no such concerns ahead of the game, having welcomed back their key men in midweek.

Drogba and Michael Ballack both came through the trip to Portugal unscathed, while Deco is also back to full fitness following a recent groin complaint.

Frank Lampard failed to make the Porto game with a thigh problem, but Ancelotti is confident the midfield ace will be ready to face the Gunners.

That means Jose Bosingwa (knee) remains the only long-term absentee for the Blues, with the full-back not expected to be back in action until the New Year.


Possible starting XIs
Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre, Nasri, Fabregas, Denilson, Arshavin, Walcott, Eduardo.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Deco, Drogba, Anelka.


Prediction: Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea
I fear Anelka will run riot on the left wing against Gibbs. I do think Arsenal will score first but the defensive frailties will come to the fore again allowing Chelsea to sneak a 1-2 win and take a significant step forward in the title race.

That_Guy

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055751693

That_Guy

cson wrote: »

Prediction: Arsenal 1 - 2 Chelsea
I fear Anelka will run riot on the left wing against Gibbs. I do think Arsenal will score first but the defensive frailties will come to the fore again allowing Chelsea to sneak a 1-2 win and take a significant step forward in the title race.

Good thing he won't be playing.

cson

Ah my bad on both counts. Didn't see the match thread with this El Clasico rubbish that's on every thread title and secondly I mean't Armand Traore, not Kieren Gibbs.

Delete, delete, delete! :pac:

CHD

This hurts, did you not see the effort i put into my match thread.