Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Predicting Chelsea's Starting 11

The clash between English Premier League title contenders Arsenal and Chelsea is less than 24 hours away. Manchester United is beating Sunderland 2-0 today, so they are now five points clear of Arsenal and six points above Chelsea. 

A defeat for either of these sides would put a serious damper of their clubs' respective title challenge.

Arsenal have had a poor record against their London rivals, losing each of their previous four matches against the Blues. For their part, Chelsea are looking to arrest their poorest run of the campaign, during which they have failed to win since November 10th.

Chelsea manger Carlo Ancelotti has expressed frustration that his side will be forced to face Bolton about 48 hours after their fixture against Arsenal. Considering the enormity of this clash, expect Chelsea to field their strongest 11 against Arsenal, despite the fixture congestion.

Here's a look at Chelsea's starting 11:

Goalkeeper

Petr Cech has started every league game so far this season for the Blues. Since the Czech giant has not been struggling with any injury issues, it is a safe bet to expect to see him and his rugby cap between Chelsea's sticks.

Defense

Ashley Cole can be expect to start at left fullback against his former side. Cole has been in fine form this season and remains free of injuries.

With Alex out injured with a knee issue until February, expect Branislav Ivanovic to partner John Terry in the heart of Chelsea's defense. They will be tasked with keeping Maurouane Chamakh and Robin van Persie at bay.

Jose Bosingwa has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks. It is rumored that he will start against the Gunners. If not, Paulo Ferreira will fill in at right back.

Midfield

Frank Lampard returned from injury on December 12th, playing 14 minutes in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Tottenham. Considering the importance of this fixture, expect him to get his first start since August in stead of Ramires, whose displays have been unconvincing since the Brazilian's big-money move from Benifica over the summer.

John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien will round out the middle of Chelsea's 4-3-3 formation. Mikel will sit deeper back in the middle, with Lampard and Essien on either side of him.

Chelsea's physical and defensive style of play has served them well against Arsenal in recent years. Their midfield epitomizes their style and is largely responsible for the team's recent dominant displays against the Gunners.

Forwards

Didier Drogba will start at the center of Chelsea's attacking line. He has 13 goals from his 13 games in his career against Arsenal, which is a pretty impressive tally against one of the best teams in the Premier League.

Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda will start on the right and left sides of Drogba, respectively. The performances of these two will be crucial for unlocking the Gunners already porous defense.

Substitutes

Daniel Sturridge and Salomon Kalou will provide cover up front. Ramires, Josh McEachran, and Gael Kakuta can also be expected to warm the Blue's bench at the Emirates.

Reports have claimed that Yossi Benayoun has returned from injury and might be fortunate enough to even get some minutes against Bolton in a couple of days, but he will have to settle for a supporting role in this fixture.

Paulo Ferreira, Patrick van Aanholt, and Jeffrey Bruma will provide cover for the Blue's defense.

Henrique Hilario will likely get a spot on the bench ahead of the Englishman Ross Turnbull to back up Cech.