Perhaps the most interesting and most anticipated game for today, where the leader Chelsea will go against the 3rd Arsenal. After the loss against Manchester City, Chelsea would have to bounce back here at least with a point to stay ahead of the top 4 teams with at least 2 points.
So far Chelsea’s home record is perfect with W3 D0 D0 and a total of 9 points out of 3 games. Arsenal’s away record is W1 D2 L0 or a total of 4 points in 3 games. Arsenal also suffers with a lot of injured players: Almunia (elbow, 16 Oct), Bendtner (groin, 16 Oct), Vermaelen (achilles, 16 Oct), Fábregas (hamstring, 16 Oct), Walcott, Van Persie (both ankle, 23 Oct), Gibbs (calf, 23 Oct), Ramsey (broken leg, Nov).
As you can see almost the whole starting offensive line is injured as well as the key defender Vermaelen and the goalie Almunia. Fabregas will also be missing, but in the face of Jack Wilshere Arsenal has a great replacement.
The attack will be lead by Chamakh, Arshavin and Nasri, while on defense they will probably go out with Koscielny and Squillaci, and as a goal keeper Fabianski. While this is not the optimal squad, Arsenal still is dangerous enough.
Arsenal has won 6 times over Chelsea on Stamford Bride, more than any team in the league. However in the last 17 games (home & away) Arsenal has been able to win only two.
Didier Drogba has scored 12 goals in 10 games in all appearances against Arsenal. Meanwhile Anelka has been able to score 7 goals in 11 games against Arsenal.
Some other interesting facts about both teams:
* Since Arsenal won against Chelsea back in 2008, their record here is W0 D1 L8.
* Andrey Arshavin has created 3.33 goalscoring chances per game in the Premier League this season, more than any other player in the league.
* Michael Essien has averaged 95 touches per game this season, more than any other top-flight player.
The Betting Verdict?
Chelsea to win @ 1.72 (Switch to Betfair.com – 25£ loss cover on your first bet): Although Arsenal has good replacements of the injured players, the team will be quite young and inexperienced. The home factor will help Chelsea, who would be looking for the victory here after the loss from Man. City.
