Chelsea missed out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points when they only drew with Hull in midweek. This will have given title competitors Manchester United and Arsenal hope of catching the Blues with the Gunners making the short trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Few would expect Arsene Wenger’s team to pull off a shock win this weekend especially after their defeat to Manchester United plus the way Chelsea beat them at the Emirates earlier in the season. However, the Gunners still possess plenty of quality and they did win 2-1 at the Bridge last season. Since that win, Chelsea have gone 35 home games without defeat in all competitions. That Arsenal win came courtesy of a 3-minute brace from Robin Van Persie, what would Arsene give to have his Dutch striker back for this one.

Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted that Didier Drogba is back from the African Cup of Nations, particularly as he possesses an incredible record against Arsenal. The big striker has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions against the North Londoners and will be an obvious threat this weekend. Drogba took his two goals brilliantly the last time these teams met at the Emirates and you can rest assured that William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen won’t relish this confrontation. Drogba is not the only danger to the Arsenal defence as striker partner Nicolas Anelka has scored 7 goals in his last ten league starts against his former club.

Arsenal defended very poorly against Manchester United and if they do the same this weekend, they will be beaten. At times United cut them to ribbons with their incisive counter-attacks, so you can be sure that Wenger will have been drumming in the importance of defending properly this weekend. Gael Clichy in particular struggled which is unlike the young Frenchman. Whether he is still not properly fit or is lacking confidence, I am not sure but you can be sure Ancelotti will look to target him if he is not on his game.

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Chelsea will offer Arsenal a different threat to United, they can play the one touch football that United did but will also pose plenty of problems from set-pieces. The Gunners did create chances against United but whether Andrey Arshavin can create much as a lone striker away from home is questionable. Both teams will pack the midfield but for me, Chelsea’s superior physicality may see them dominate, particularly as the Gunners have no out ball up front. As balls forward will have to be played to Arshavin’s feet. Chelsea on the other hand can play through midfield or go long towards Drogba knowing that the big Ivory Coast striker will compete with the Arsenal defence and much of the time the ball will stick.

Even though Chelsea must be viewed as favourites, you cannot completely write off the Gunners. They have the ability to score wherever they play and with Cesc Fabregas in midfield, you know they can create opportunities. Therefore, I am covering my options on Premier 10 this weekend with both the home win and the draw.

I cannot see Arsenal becoming the first away side to win at Stamford Bridge this season but you can’t ignore the fact that the Gunners have a good record there. In fact, no opposition team has won more times at the Bridge in the Premier League era (6). However, with only two wins in their last 15 competitive matches against the Blues and with confidence low following last weekend’s United defeat, I am backing a home win and covering that with a draw on Premier 10. With a £30,000 jackpot to play for, this is one match to predict carefully.

Tags: Alan Hansen, Arsenal, Chelsea, Football Pools, Premier 10, Premier League

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