Arsenal have a massive test on their hands as Chelsea travel across town to the Emirates in one of the biggest London Derby’s of the season thus far.
The Gunners were surpassed at the top of the table by Liverpool Saturday morning and the only way they can reclaim their place is by defeating Jose Mourinho’s Blues at home
With that said Arsenal will be without midfielder Jack Wilshere, who starts a two-match suspension, for Monday night’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Centre-half Laurent Koscielny is a major doubt after suffering a gash to his knee in the 6-3 defeat at Manchester City,
but German forward Lukas Podolski is available again after three months out with a hamstring injury. Forward Yaya Sanogo (back), midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee) are all still sidelined.
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is to return to the substitutes’ bench at best for Monday’s crunch clash against his former club. With Branislav Ivanovic available after serving a one-match ban, the Serbia defender will return at right-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta reverting to left-back and Cole dropping out of the side.
Captain John Terry will also return, but Michael Essien is banned after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season at Sunderland and his fellow midfielder Marco van Ginkel (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Head-to-head
* Chelsea have won the three most recent encounters, including a 2-0 away win in the fourth round of the League Cup on 29 October.
* Arsene Wenger has never won against Jose Mourinho as an opposition manager. His record is four draws and five defeats in nine league and cup games.
Projected Line-Ups:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Ramsey, Arteta; Walcott, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.
Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.
Written by Steve Milne – What are your predictions – Have your say below 🙂
