Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Match Preview

Chelsea vs. Arsenal
English Premier League
Kickoff: Sunday, January 20, 8:30 AM EST
Stamford Bridge, West London
Form: CHE LWLWD | ARS WDDLW
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
SBN Chelsea Coverage: We Ain't Got No History

Arsenal venture to the wildlands of West London tomorrow to face off against Chelsea FC, whom you may have heard about. When last the two teams met at the end of September, Chelsea ran out 2-1 victors from the Emirates after a couple of bizarre goals and some wacky goalkeeping from Vito Mannone. Hopefully tomorrow will see less of that Keystone Cops stuff and a bit more solidity from Arsenal.

And the Gunners may have stumbled upon the kind of thing they need. The platform of Abou Diaby and Francis Coquelin, in Mikel Arteta's absence, looked solid against Swansea on Wednesday in the FA Cup with Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla operating in front of them. A similar strategy could be on the boil for tomorrow's game, as Arteta is still out. Arsenal have a heavy run of fixtures right now, though, so some rest may be needed for Arsene Wenger's men, and the manager has vowed to take it easy on Diaby; perhaps Aaron Ramsey could partner Coquelin, but that feels much less solid somehow.

Lukas Podolski faces a late fitness test, as he is ill.

Chelsea will most likely run out their standard 4-2-3-1; they are missing John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses to Africa. Ramires could be a good choice on the right in place of a super creative player, as he can more effectively contain the attacking play of Kieran Gibbs.

What do you reckon about the lineup tomorrow?

Match Prediction: