There are few bigger matches with which Arsène Wenger could mark his 1000th match as Arsenal manager than this. The Gunners, who currently sit second in the table, know that a win over the league leaders Chelsea early on Saturday would slice their advantage at the top of the table to just a point -- with Arsenal still having a game in hand. They may have stuttered, but Arsenal definitely aren't out of the title race yet.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal: Preview and TV schedule
Arsène Wenger will take charge of his 1000th match as Arsenal manager at Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kickoff.
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However, there are a few problems. Wenger has never won against José Mourinho in all of their meetings, with the Portuguese manager’s unbeaten Premier League home record still intact. If Arsenal were to win at Stamford Bridge, it’d be quite the upset. This season has been an unusually good one for the Gunners, but this could well be their toughest task yet.
They still have a huge injury list, with Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all still out. Tomáš Rosický is a fresh doubt with an ankle problem, and faces a late fitness test. Chelsea will be without former Gunner Ashley Cole, though César Azpilicueta has impressed while deputising at left-back. Midfielders Ramires and Willian are both suspended.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Marco van Ginkel (knee), Ashley Cole (knee), Ramires (suspended), Willian (suspended). In doubt: None.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Abou Diaby (knee), Theo Walcott (knee), Mesut Özil (hamstring), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Jack Wilshere (foot). In doubt: Tomáš Rosický (ankle).
Projected lineups
Chelsea: Petr Čech; César Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanović; Frank Lampard, Nemanja Matić; Eden Hazard, Oscar, André Schürrle; Samuel Eto'o.
Arsenal: Wojciech Szczęsny; Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Bacary Sagna; Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta; Santi Cazorla, Tomáš Rosický, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Olivier Giroud.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:45 p.m. local, 8:45 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Mun2 (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Chelsea TV (international)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), BT Sport 1 (U.K.), Arsenal Player (U.K. and international)
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