Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted Starting XI’s For The Big Game

Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates on Monday night as two of this seasons title challengers go head-to-head.

Arsene Wenger’s men dropped to third in the table following wins for Liverpool and Manchester City on Saturday so the north Londoners will be looking for a win to regain top spot.

But they will have to do it without the services of defender Laurent Koscielny after the Frenchman was ruled out with a nasty cut to his knee suffered during last weeks defeat to Man City. Thomas Vermaelen will continue to deputise at the back.

The big decision for Wenger will be who to start in the centre of midfield. Mikel Arteta seems likely to return which may see Mathieu Flamini drop out with Aaron Ramsey keeping his place in the starting eleven. Jack Wilshere starts his two-match ban for making an obscene gesture towards the City fans last week.

Theo Walcott should start having scored two goals last time out while Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil are likely to make up the attack behind Olivier Giroud.

As for Chelsea, Jose Mourinho is expected to make some changes to the side that crashed out of the Capital One Cup to Sunderland on Tuesday.

Petr Cech, John Terry, Ramires, Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard are all expected to be recalled after being rested in midweek, while Fernando Torres should get the nod over Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba up front.

Branislav Ivanovic will return from suspension which will see Ashley Cole drop out and Cesar Azpilicueta return to left-back.

Here are our predicted line-ups:

What do you think of our teams? What eleven would you like to see start for your club? Share your suggestions below.