Arsenal vs. Chelsea FC: Start Time and Schedule

It may not be the most important derby in the English Premier League, or even the most significant between the attendant teams, but the latest edition of Arsenal vs. Chelsea FC should make for an exciting match nonetheless. The Blues are firmly in the mix for the top of the table while the Gunners are still climbing out of an early season hole dug out of injuries, high-impact transfers out (read: Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri) and poor play by those who were healthy enough (and eligible) to compete.

Arsenal own the all-time edge, 69-51-54, in an historic series that dates back to 1907.

Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England

When: Saturday, October 29th at 7:45 a.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2, Sky Sports 2/HD2/3D

Key Injuries

Chelsea: Michael Essien, Henrique Hilario, Ramires

Arsenal: Jack Wilshere, Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen

Biggest Storyline: Can the Gunners get their act together against a quality club?

Arsene Wenger's side have struggled against just about everyone in the Premiership this season, though those clubs they are currently chasing in the table have given them the biggest fits of all. The Gunners have already lost to first-place Manchester United (8-2), fifth-place Liverpool (2-0) and sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur (2-1) and played fourth-place Newcastle United to a 0-0 tie in the season-opener.

A win over the Blues would go a long way toward restoring confidence among the club and its supporters while inching the Gunners ever closer to yet another top-four finish under Arsene's leadership.

Player To Watch for Chelsea: Juan Mata

Fernando Torres has been a much different player, and Chelsea a much different club, since the arrival of Juan Mata. The 23-year-old midfielder has helped first-year manager Andre Villas-Boas to instill a more Iberian style of play at Stamford Bridge, one that has reinvigorated "El Nino" while vaulting the Blues back toward the top of the EPL.

Arsenal will certainly have their eyes on Mata, whom Arsene Wenger could have acquired from Valencia this summer had it not been for some tight purse strings.

Player To Watch for Arsenal: Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal's back line hasn't been the same since Thomas Vermaelen went down with yet another Achilles injury. The Belgian centre-back should be fit in time to provide some assistance in the box, where the Gunners have been victimized by set pieces and a general sense of confusion all season.

Certainly, the club will expect plenty from Vermaelen after just recently signing him to a contract extension that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium for another four years.

What They're Saying

The Gunners have made the most of their UEFA Champions League matches to regain their confidence. Arsene Wenger appeared optimistic about his club's improvement after a 1-0 win at Marseille, though he emphasized (as always) the importance of patience:

"

We have made a little step forward but we have to be humble. We are a team who has to continue to grow. It will help our confidence. If you look back at the last five or six games, you will see only one defeat. We are slowly getting there.

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Meanwhile, the Blues, on a roll after winning their last three league matches, may have some discontent brewing their midst. According to ESPN Soccernet, winger Salomon Kalou has grown tired of playing as a substitute and is keen to leave Stamford Bridge on a Bosman this summer in search of starting job.

The 26-year-old winger hasn't ruled out signing for Chelsea, though Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly expressed interest in the Ivorian as a winter acquisition. Said Kalou of his situation:

"

We're still talking and hopefully the club is putting itself in a good position and me myself as well. I think we're going to agree on something good. I want to stay, I want to be here. I like Chelsea. I've had a fantastic five seasons here and won some prizes. Chelsea are looking forward to the future and I'm still a young player and I think my future can be here.''

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Prediction: Chelsea 2, Arsenal 1