Arsenal vs Chelsea: Statistical Preview, Form Guide, Injury News & Head-To-Head

Arsenal face a top four opponent for the third time in six matches having faced Southampton who were in the Champions League places back in November when they met at the Emirates Stadium, and Manchester City whom thrashed the league leaders last weekend.

Should Liverpool fail to beat Cardiff City on Saturday this game would determine the leader of the Premier League on Christmas Day. Regardless of the Liverpool result, the Gunners can guarantee that top spot with victory.

Chelsea are coming off the back of an unconvincing 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend whilst Arsenal were beaten 6-3 at Manchester City.

Form

Arsenal LDWWW

Arsenal have been held by Everton and beaten at Manchester City in their last two games and could do with a victory to avoid any pressure from the media onto Arsène Wenger. A tough run of fixtures hasn’t helped and whilst it gets a little easier after this, trips to West Ham and Newcastle before New Year aren’t straightforward victories.

Theo Walcott returned to the starting lineup last weekend to net two goals, the second with a great finish. With Olivier Giroud only scoring in 1 of his last 10 matches for club and country, Walcott’s return down the right wing adds a solid goalscoring threat to the side should the French forward continue to misfire.

Laurent Koscielny isn’t expected to play after being injured last weekend, whilst Jack Wilshere is suspended and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Yaya Sanogo remain injured. Lukas Podolski has recovered from his injury but match fitness will be his concern.

Chelsea WLWWW

The form book says Chelsea have won 4 of their last 5 in the Premier League and head into matchday 17 three points behind the league leaders and 4 points better off than they were at this stage last season.

Chelsea were widely expected to beat Crystal Palace by more than one goal at Stamford Bridge last weekend. The Blues did have a few good chances to extend that lead in fairness but once again looked poor in front of goal.

Michael Essien is suspended, Marco van Ginkel is sidelined for the long term.

Head-to-head

Chelsea did the double over Arsenal last season, winning both games 2-1. Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scored the goals in this fixture last season either side of a goal from Gervinho for the Gunners. More recently, at Stamford Bridge in January, Chelsea led 2-0 inside 16 minutes with goals from Juan Mata and Frank Lampard before Theo Walcott pulled a goal back for the visitors in the second half.

Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benítez were in charge of Chelsea for those two games last season, meaning José Mourinho were will be third Chelsea manager in as many Premier League matches to face Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal.

José Mourinho was undefeated in 9 matches vs Wenger during his first spell as Chelsea manager, winning 5 and drawing 4 in all competitions. That was 2 wins and 4 draws in the Premier League.

Premier League stats

Absentees

Arsenal
Jack Wilshere (suspended)
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (injury)
Yaya Sanogo (injury)

Chelsea
Michael Essien (suspended)
Marco van Ginkel (injury)

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