Chelsea-Arsenal: Three Key Battles To Watch

On Sunday afternoon, Chelsea and Arsenal will go head to head at Stamford Bridge in a battle for London bragging rights.

Both teams will be hoping to get back to winning ways after suffering their first defeats of the season last weekend, with Chelsea succumbing to Manchester City, while Arsenal were surprised at home by Premier League new boys West Brom.

The two sides have met 146 times in the league, with Arsenal coming out on top in 59 encounters, while Chelsea have won 43.

The story has been more in the blue side of London's corner in recent seasons, however, with Chelsea winning both meetings last season and four of the last six between the clubs.

Both sides are missing key players through injury this weekend, but with plenty of quality in both squads, the match is set to be must see television once again.

KEY BATTLES

Didier Drogba v. Sebastien Squillaci

Chelsea's deadliest weapon will be back in the side on Sunday, having missed out on the midweek win over Marseille due to suspension. He will be hoping to get back on the score sheet as he chases another Golden Boot, continuing to show himself as probably the best striker in the league.

The Frenchman Squillaci will have his work cut out to keep Drogba at bay on Sunday, especially as he and the Arsenal back line will be hoping to banish the embarrassing defeat of last weekend, when they conceded three goals on their own turf.

Not since the days of Steve Bould, Tony Adams, and Nigel Winterburn have Arsenal been renowned for the art of defending, but it will be imperative that they keep Drogba at bay if they are going to have any chance of winning this tie.

Unfortunately, Drogba is Drogba, and having netted four times against the Gunners last season, clearly he enjoys playing them.

Michael Essien v. Jack Wilshere

Michael Essien is one of the best players in the world in his position, and his form since returning from injury has shown how important he is to the Chelsea cause. It would have been interesting to see how far Ghana could have gone in the World Cup had his services been available.

In the absence of Frank Lampard, who is still on the injury list, Essien's role has become even more important. He has shown already this season that he is more than capable of finding the back of the net, and no one can forget the superb goal he scored against Arsenal in 2008.

In the red corner it is likely that the ever improving Wilshere will be named in the starting 11 following the injury to Cesc Fabregas. Despite early positivity from Fabregas, it appears to be the case that he will have to sit out on Sunday.

His absence will make Wilshere's job even more important. The youngster will need to be at his best if he is to come out on top in a midfield battle with Essien.

This game could be won or lost in the midfield, as many top encounters are, and these two men hold the key for their respective sides.

Carlo Ancelotti v. Arsene Wenger

Two of the most successful managers to ever scribble on the tactics board will battle for the third time, with the Italian currently sitting pretty on 2-0 in head to heads.

Ancelotti won the Premier League title in his first season at the club and will be hoping to repeat that feat this season. Wenger, on the other hand, has not lifted a trophy as Arsenal boss since 2005, but a win here will close the gap on Chelsea to just two points.

Both bosses have shown to prefer an attacking style of play, which could turn this tie into a shootout for the neutrals.

Chelsea and Arsenal have plundered goals this season, and it is unlikely that either manager will take a different approach on Sunday even with so much at stake. Expect more of the same from both managers at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti is grieving following the loss of his father Giuseppe on Wednesday but will be there to take charge. However, one would imagine his somber and subdued approach to touchline management is likely to remain intact during this time.

Conversely, we can expect Wenger to be as animated as ever, always a great source of entertainment, not just with his team's style of play.

I predict that the game is there for the taking with both teams capable of taking all three points, but Chelsea have the edge on my betting slip: 3-1.