Analysis:

Match of the week as Arsenal in third spot welcomes the visit of leaders Chelsea to The Emirates Stadium in a London Derby clash. Both teams will be eager to come out tops when they clash and fireworks will fly for sure in North London.

Arsenal will not have forgotten the 4-1 thrashing they suffered at the hands of Chelsea towards the end of last season and will look to avenge that defeat. But above all, Arsene Wenger is also likely to be aware that his side have taken just four wins from their last 19 meetings with main rivals Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.

However, the chances of improving on that record lies on the shoulders of Andrey Arshavin, with the Russian playmaker proving to be something of a lucky charm. He has started 20 Premier League games since joining the club, winning 14 and losing just one, while the Gunners have lost three of the five matches he has not played in.

For Chelsea, their most talismanic star will undoubtedly by Didier Drogba. The Ivorian is coming off the back of a spell on the sidelines, but was put back into first-team action during Wednesday's UEFA Champions League win in Porto.

But the remarkable thing is he has scored eight goals in his last eight meetings with Arsenal, ensuring that the Blues won seven and drew one of those fixtures. Carlo Ancelotti is also expected to unleash ex-Gunner Nicolas Anelka on his former employers, with the Frenchman in superb form. Anelka has seven goals in his last nine Premier League starts, and will be keen to inflict more damage this time around.

As for the team news, Wenger has a defensive crisis as the Gunners are already set to be without Gael Clichy (back) and Kieran Gibbs (ankle) this weekend, while Swiss centre-half Johan Djourou (knee) is also sidelined. Their biggest problem is with former Chelsea player in William Gallas, with the Frenchman suffering eye and ankle knocks during their European encounter with Standard Liege in midweek.

Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Abou Diaby (calf) will be missing in midfield, while Robin van Persie (ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (hernia) are notable absentees up front.

As for Chelsea, they do not have much injuries to worry about ahead of this clash. Drogba and Michael Ballack both came through the trip to Portugal unscathed, while Deco is also back to full fitness following a recent groin complaint. Frank Lampard failed to make the Porto game with a thigh problem, but Ancelotti is confident the midfield ace will be ready to start this match. That means Jose Bosingwa (knee) remains the only long-term absentee for the Blues as he is not expected back until the New Year.

Take Arsenal on level ball not to lose this match.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Arsenal to win 2-1

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Arsenal to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Arsenal on level ball handicap.