07-02-2010 Chelsea vs Arsenal

The Weekend’s big game sees two giants of the Premierleague trying to bounce back from disappointing results.

Chelsea will be pleased to put their midweek draw with Hull City behind them. Fans and pundits alike were surprised to see Chelsea drop points to a lowly Hull City. Ancelotti was publicly supportive of his team, but privately he will be fuming they allowed Manchester United to close the gap at the top of the league to just two points, and with United at home to Portsmouth, it will be clear to the Italian that three points are absolutely vital in this top of the table clash. Selection will only be difficult in terms of dropping players, with only Boswinga, Essien and Mikel missing from the squad. Didier Drogba should be over any jet lag that may have affected him in his last game, and he will surely be looking to fire his team to victory on Sunday.

After gaining plaudits for their style and results all season, Arsene Wenger will be bitterly disappointed that his Arsenal Team failed to impose themselves on a game of such magnitude when they hosted United last weekend. No one should be writing off Arsenal’s chances of winning the league this year, but a loss here to Chelsea and a United victory would mean Arsenal trail the leaders by nine points, and second place by seven, two very big margins at this stage of the season. Sol Campbell is now considered fit enough to play, but it is doubtful whether he will be pushed back into the team for such a high profile match. Injuries to Van Persie and Eduardo mean it is still difficult to see where the direct goal threat will come from for Arsenal, although they break from midfield with such pace and accuracy that any of their midfield four can turn from provider to finisher.

A very very tough call, but Chelsea have home advantage, and that should be enough for them to earn a victory on Sunday.

Verdict: Chelsea home win

Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Sporting Bet