Arsenal to Collapse At The Bridge

Lose.

That word will make the headlines in this gloves-off fixture. The last time this term these two sides met, Antonio Conte almost lost his job. It was an awful display from the Blues who were ripped apart by the Gunners. It is a contest where the scales are now tipping in Chelsea’s favour. Arsenal dread losing this one. Should they lose, then the title is gone with three months to the end of the season.

It is a do or die contest where both sides will come out strongly. The Blues are 9 points clear at the top, and could go 12 points ahead should they hit Arsenal. Arsenal failed to close the gap, awfully going down 2-1 at home to Watford, and must win this one.

Arsenal has been on a not-so convincing run, and will come into this match as the underdogs. Although Eden Hazard has labelled Arsenal as one of their biggest rivals to the title, the Gunners are deflated and will have to do with a makeshift squad especially in the midfield.

Granit Xhaka is out suspended, Aaron Ramsey is out for at least three weeks. Hard tackler Francis Coquelin is a doubt as is Alex-Oxlade who is set to face a late fitness test. Manager Arsene Wenger is also out suspended and will not be on the touchline.

Arsenal's last goal at Stamford Bridge was a Walcott strike in January 2013. In recent fixtures, it’s been disastrous for the Gunners at the Bridge. Alexis Sanchez is the only clutch Arsenal is holding on, and the Chilean should be the difference maker, for Arsenal.

Chelsea and Antonio Conte are desperate for revenge. The Blues have a strong backline, and the man at the front Diego Costa has been doing the business effectively. On a good day, Costa could be Chelsea’s key assassin. Costa hasn't gone two matches without finding the back of the net, and he looks due coming into this one.

Arsenal have always encountered banana skin on their way to the title race, and this is where they are likely to slip. Unless something really spectacular happens. Chelsea has had a major turn-around and look set for another routine victory.

Here is our predicted lineup;

Chelsea: Courtois, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Matic, Kante, Moses, Hazard, Pedro, Costa

Arsenal: Cech, Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi, Bellerin, Coquelin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Ozil, Walcott, Sanchez