Predicting the Starting Lineup for Arsenal When They Take on Chelsea

Arsenal will encounter London rivals and league leaders Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend as the Gunners attempt to reconstruct their slowly faltering domestic campaign.

The Gunners are coming off the back of a shocking 3-2 loss to newly promoted West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates. However, Arsene Wenger's men did conquer over Serbians Kings FK Partizan Belgrade midweek in the Champions League, which ensured a slight confidence boost heading into the encounter with the undefeated Premier League champions.

Furthermore, the Gunners are facing a growing injury list which could stem their attack and defence. If Carlo Ancelotti's men do inflict a heavy defeat on Arsenal, fans and the footballing world alike could feel the campaign is already over.

It is set to be an intense, exciting clash that will boast flowing attack and strong defence, with the latter set to be the gamebreaker. Much focus will be on the Arsenal goalkeeper, who ever is selected, as it could loom as the potential destroyer for Wenger.

None the less, let's predict the starting line up for the Gunners.

Goalkeeper

Manuel Almunia succumbed to an elbow injury against West Brom which saw Lukasz Fabianski receive a call up against Partizan. The Polish shot-stopper was impressive, saving a penalty, and making other dominant saves alongside dominating off-corners and set pieces.

However neither are in form and both have made vital errors this season which could prompt Wenger to utilize young gun Vito Mannone, albeit it is unlikely. If Almunia fails to complete a fitness test, then Lukasz Fabianski will start.

Defenders

The Arsenal back four welcomes back leader Thomas Vermaelen which will be a huge boost for the Gunners. The Belgium centre half was absent for three weeks due to an Achilles injury, but returns for the crunch clash.

It remains unseen who will partner Vermaelen out of Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly. The French pair endured horrible performances in the loss to WBA, but Squillaci performed midweek against FK Partizan which should ensure Koscienly gets the nod.

Bacary Sagna as per usual will receive the right flank role and one would expect Gael Clichy to be given the left back role despite his lack of form and Kieran Gibb's impressive form. However, Gibbs started midweek.

Midfielders

Wenger claims captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas's is half a chance to appear against Chelsea due to his hamstring injury suffered against Sunderland two weeks ago. If the Spaniard is to play, he will take the right central role with Samir Nasri the most likeliest candidate for the left. Alexandre Song will take the defensive midfield duties.

Tomas Rosicky, Denilson, and Abou Diaby are also in contention for midfield roles, however Rosicky played midweek and Denilson and Diaby's fitness is under concern. There is also Jack Wilshere. The teenage sensation has been immense this season and it in scintillating form. Wenger may restore the Englishman to the bench due to his contribution midweek.

Forwards

Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner are still missing through injuries which ensures Marouane Chamakh will lead the front line with Andrei Arshavin on the left wing. This is a huge test for Chamakh to really prove his worth against dominant opposition.

The Moroccan, who arrived at the Emirates from Bordeaux this summer, has been hugely impressive in his debut season and has enabled the Arsenal frontline to gain that much needed physical presence.

Andrei Arshavin will also need to ensure he performs at his peek as many fans have grown weary with his often lazy attitude. On the right wing should see Emmanuel Eboue, however, Wenger may look to utilize Rosicky and Wilshere as wingers.

Substitutes

With seven places available, they are dependent on a number of things. If Manuel Almunia proves his fitness than Lukasz Fabianski will demote to the bench. However, if Almunia doesn't appear than either Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczensy will receive a bench role.

Kieran Gibbs and Sebastien Squillaci, judging that Laurent Koscienly starts ahead of Squillaci, will be the back-up defenders. If Cesc Fabregas does appear than Abou Diaby, Denilson, Tomas Rosicky, and Jack Wilshere will receive bench spots with Carlos Vela the back-up forward.