Soccer Extreme : These Premier League title rivals both returned Champions League wins on Tuesday – after suffering their first League defeats of the season. Chelsea won 2-0 against Marseille at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal enjoyed an impressive 3-1 win in Belgrade, against Partizan.Chelsea remain top, three points clear of Manchester United and four better off than Arsenal. After six games last season Chelsea had maximum points, but lost their seventh, at Wigan. This season, they stumbled in their sixth outing, at Manchester City last weekend. Arsenal’s 11-point haul is one fewer than at this stage last season.
Chelsea are still without Frank Lampard and test Salomon Kalou, Jose Bosingwa and Yossi Benayoun. But Didier Drogba, who served a ban against Marseille, is available to return to attack.
Arsenal are still missing Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen, Aaron Ramsey and Emmanuel Frimpong, while Nicklas Bendtner is closing in on a return.
But Arsène Wenger must decide whether to recall goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, if he is fit. Almunia was at fault for two of the goals in the 3-2 loss against WBA but did save a penalty. Lukasz Fabianski replaced him in Belgrade and also saved a penalty. Wenger must also contemplate starting with precocious youngster Jack Wilshere, who also impressed in the Champions League outing.
In 18 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, Arsenal have won six, lost six and drawn six. And overall Arsenal have won 24 of their 73 visits. Chelsea have beaten Arsenal in their last three Premier League meetings.
Sunday, October 3
TV: Sky Sports 2 and highlights, BBC2 Match of the Day 2.
Sunday, October 3
Chelsea v Arsenal
Stamford Bridge
Kick-off: 16.00 BST
Chelsea (Possible, 4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole; Essien, Mikel, Ramires; Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Arsenal (Possible, 4-3-2-1): Almunia; Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy; Eboué, Song, Diaby; Nasri, Arshavin; Chamakh.
Referee: Mike Dean. Matches: 5. R0 Y15.