Squad sheets: Chelsea v Arsenal
Last season's convincing wins for Chelsea over Arsenal gave the impression of a gulf between the sides, but Arsène Wenger's team had recorded victories against them in each of the two preceding campaigns. Both sides will lack established players, notably Frank Lampard and Cesc Fábregas, but the real trouble for the visitors lies in the absence of the injured Thomas Vermaelen. It was bad enough for Arsenal even when their best centre-half was in the line-up, with Didier Drogba scoring four goals in the past two encounters. Kevin McCarra Venue Stamford Bridge, Sunday 4pm Tickets Sold out Last season Chelsea 2 Arsenal 0 Referee M DeanThis season's matches 5 Y16, R0, 3.20 cards per gameOdds Chelsea 3-4 Arsenal 4-1 Draw 11-4ChelseaSubs from Turnbull, Ferreira, Bruma, Van Aanholt, Zhirkov, McEachran, Borini, Kakuta, SturridgeDoubtful NoneInjured Benayoun (calf, 16 Oct), Kalou (thigh, 16 Oct), Lampard (groin, 16 Oct), Bosingwa (knee, 16 Oct)Suspended NoneForm guide LWWWWWDisciplinary record Y9 R0Leading scorer Malouda 6ArsenalSubs from Szczesny, Rosicky, Vela, Denílson, Djourou, Eboué, Eastmond, Emmanuel-Thomas, LansburyDoubtful Diaby (ankle)Injured Almunia (elbow, 16 Oct), Bendtner (groin, 16 Oct), Vermaelen (achilles, 16 Oct), Fábregas (hamstring, 16 Oct), Walcott, Van Persie (both ankle, 23 Oct), Gibbs (calf, 23 Oct), Ramsey (broken leg, Nov), Frimpong (knee, Aug)Suspended NoneForm guide LDWWWDDisciplinary record Y11 R2Leading scorer Walcott 4Match pointers• Arsenal's record against Chelsea and Manchester United since their win at the Bridge in November 2008 stands at: P9 W0 D1 L8 F5 A20• Arsenal have only been able to win two of their last 17 matches against Chelsea• Michael Essien averages 95 touches per game this season, the most in the division• Chelsea have fired in more shots on target than any other team (47), ahead of Arsenal with 41• Andrey Arshavin has created 3.33 goalscoring chances per game this season – a divisional highChelseaArsenalPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
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