Two mild surprises adorn Chelsea's starting XI for today's match at the Emirates, with Paulo Ferreira starting at right back and Salomon Kalou in the wide right attacking position. Those inclusions mean José Bosingwa is not ready to go (though he sits on the bench) while Nicolas Anelka's knee will have him miss an engagement with his former club.
Arsenal Vs. Chelsea: No Jose Bosingwa, Nicolas Anelka In Blues Starting XI
The rest of Carlo Ancelotti's team is as expected. Petr Cech is in goal, behind the center defense duo of Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry, Ashley Cole starting on the left. Frank Lampard makes his first start since the season's sunrise, with Michael Essien and Mikel John Obi completing the midfield. Didier Drogba, he of the eight goals in his last six against Arsenal, starts up top, with Florent Malouda to his left.
Look to Chelsea's bench and you see one of the places where Arsenal as an advantage. While Wenger has people like Marouane Chamakh, Andrei Arshavin and Abou Diaby as options, Ancelotti has the likes of Patrick van Aanholt, Jeffrey Bruma, Gaël Kakuta and Josh McEachran.
Chelsea’s Starting XI (4-1-2-3): Petr Cech / Paulo Ferriera, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Ashley Cole / Mikel John Obi - Michael Essien, Frankl Lampard / Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda
Chelsea Bench: Ross Turnbull, José Bosingwa, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt, Ramires, Josh McEachern, Gaël Kakuta
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