Premier League preview: Arsenal v Chelsea

Arsenal and Chelsea will be seeking to restate their credentials in the English Premier League title race when they do battle on Monday.

Defending champions Chelsea are mired in their worst form slump for 10 years, winning just twice in seven league matches.

Defeats to Sunderland, Birmingham and Liverpool have seen Carlo Ancelotti’s side slip to fourth in the table.

While faring better than their London rivals, Arsenal have also endured a spate of poor results.

Victories against Fulham and Wigan have kept Arsene Wenger’s side in the running, but a first defeat at home to local rivals Tottenham in 17 years and a meek 1-0 reverse away to Manchester United have raised familiar questions about Arsenal’s ability to sustain a challenge.

They have developed a habit of dominating possession but somehow contriving to lose to Chelsea during key matches, but with the West London club struggling through their worst spell since Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003, Arsenal may never have a better opportunity to break the hoodoo.

Ancelotti may be tempted to start long-term absentee Frank Lampard after the stalwart made a cameo from the substitutes’ bench in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham last time out.

Didier Drogba also started the match at White Hart Lane on the bench, but he is a near certainty to start on Monday given his excellent record against the Gunners.

Defenders Alex and Jose Bosingwa are out for Chelsea, along with midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

With Manuel Almunia injured and Lukasz Fabianski doubtful, Wojciech Szczesny may continue to deputise in the Arsenal goal.

The continuing absence of centreback Thomas Vermaelen leaves the questionable pairing of Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci to attempt to cope with Drogba, but Arsenal are at least nearing a clean bill of health further forward.

If Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas can finally remain injury-free, together with the in-from Sami Nasri they may prove decisive, not just against Chelsea, but throughout the remainder of the season.