The London rivals are finding it hard to keep up with the two clubs from Manchester, but the match at Stamford Bridge will be a perfect opportunity for both teams to prove their title credentials.

Chelsea have been playing really well this term and it is evident that the Blues are winning their games much easier than it was the case last season.

The arrival of Juan Manuel Mata as well as the return of Daniel Sturridge from loan spell at Bolton made the Chelsea attack much more lethal than before, so even with strikers Drogba, Torres and Anelka struggling for form, the Blues have no problems in the scoring department.

Frank Lampard and Ramires have contributed with four and three goals respectively, and that is much more than anyone expected of them.

After the Blues were robbed the three points against QPR, they did well to win their Carling Cup tie with Everton, despite playing the last thirty minutes, as well as one extra time period with just ten men on the pitch.

Given their impressive performances of late, the Blues have got to be considered favourites in this clash, so no wonder Paddy Power pays 1.67 (2/3) on home win.

Didier Drogba and Ross Turnbul are suspended, but Fernando Torres and Jose Bosingwa are available after serving their bans. Michael Essien, Ramires and Nene Hilario remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Cech – Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole – Lampard, Mikel, Meireles – Sturridge, Torres, Mata.

After some very disappointing results at the start to the season, Arsenal appear to be finally back on track, although they will have to start winning these derby games if they are to remain in the top 4 race.

The Gunners have now won seven of their last eight games, but the easy fixture list certainly has something to do with the good run as six of those wins were achieved at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger’s side have so far been overly reliant on Gervinho and Van Persie, with the former creating and the latter scoring goals on regular basis.

Therefore, the professor was certainly happy to see new signing Park Chu-Young score the winning goal in the Carling Cup win over Bolton, with the Korean likely to get more playing time in the future.

Having lost all three games against the top 4 rivals, the Gunners are likely to face a tough task against in-form Chelsea, but they have the potential to create a surprise and are priced at 6.00 (5/1) with Ladbrokes.

Thomas Vermaelen could start after recovering from injury, but Kieran Gibbs and Carl Jenkinson are unlikely to feature.

Yossi Benayoun is ineligible to face his parent club, whereas Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshire remain sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Szczesny – Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos – Arteta, Song, Ramsey – Walcott, Van Persie, Gervinho.