Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man + Predicted Score

Chelsea entertain Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime as two of this seasons title contenders go head to head at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues head into the weekend action sitting four points off Liverpool and Arsenal but with the chasing pack holding games in hand, it’s all to play for at the top of the league.

Chelsea warmed up for the game with a routine 2-0 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday night to book their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League, where they’ll now play PSG after being paired with the French giants in Friday’s draw.

However, Jose Mourinho will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league after a shock 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last Saturday, in a game which saw two Chelsea players and Mourinho himself sent off.

Arsene Wenger celebrates his 1,000th game in charge as Arsenal boss tomorrow and he would love to mark the occasion with a win over the Blues. However, to do so he’ll not only have to end Mourinho’s long unbeaten league run at the Bridge but he’ll also have to do something he’s never done, and that’s beat the ‘Special One’ having lost five and drawn five of their previous 10 matches against each other.

The Gunners kept themselves in the hunt for their first title since 2004 win a 1-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham last weekend, which sees them come into the game boasting the best away record in the division.

Team News

Chelsea will be without Ramires and Willian after the pair were sent off against Aston Villa last weekend. Nemanja Matic is almost certain to return after being ineligible in midweek while David Luiz could also come in to play in the holding midfield role.

Ashley Cole misses the chance to face his former side after failing to recover from a knee injury, while Fernando Torres and Andre Schurrle are pushing for recalls.

Arsenal have a doubt over Tomas Rosicky with the Czech midfielder facing a late fitness test on an ankle knock. Mathieu Flamini is in-line for a recall to solidify the midfield while January signing Kim Kallstrom is also in contention.

However, Wenger will have to continue without Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby, who all remained sidelined through injury.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Eden Hazard: The Belgian attacker has been in excellent form in recent weeks and Arsenal are going to have to find a way to stop his link-up play with the likes of Oscar if they want to keep Chelsea out.

Predicted Score

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal: The best home record meets the best away record so there can only be one outcome, right? We can see the two sides playing out a score draw in a feisty game at the Bridge.

What team would you like to see start the game and what’s your predicted score? Share your views below.