After successfully coming through the midweek game at Bolton unscathed, Thomas Vermaelen is set to return to the starting line-up for the first time in two months. With Sagna and Jenkinson both out, Laurent Koscielny looks set to start at right-back ahead of Johan Djourou. The Frenchman has been in sensational form recently, and with the experienced Belgian Vermaelen partnering Mertesacker at the back, our defence is finally looking more formidable than it has been in recent months. Andre Santos will continue at left-back in place of the injured Keiran Gibbs.
For Chelsea, Didier Drogba, who is suspended following his dismissal against QPR, misses out (which is more than handy considering his recent goal record against us!) though Fernando Torres looks like he is (finally!) hitting form, and will be partnered by the impressive Daniel Sturridge. Chelsea have lost just three of their last 19 games in all competitions against us and we've lost our last two Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge - both by a 2-0 scoreline.
However, the home side have gone eight Premier League games without a clean sheet and with RVP in red hot form, it's a fact we'll be looking to exploit.
Likely Line-Ups:
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Mereiles, Ramires, Mata, Torres, Sturridge
Arsenal: Szceszny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Santos, Ramsey, Song, Arteta, Walcott/Arshavin, Van Persie, Gervinho
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