When you take a look at Chelsea's squad, you struggle to figure out why they would struggle at home. The Blues have played 11 matches at Stamford Bridge and have only managed to take 19 points from a possible 33. Away from home, Chelsea has taken 23 points from a possible 33.
Although they have only managed four more points away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's problems continued against Southampton mid-week after wasting a 2-0 lead.
Since they humiliated Aston Villa 8-0, Chelsea has yet to win a game at home. Although they have only played two matches at the Bridge since then, both those matches came against QPR to whom they lost to, and Southampton to whom they drew 2-2.
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez continues to have faith in his squad and believes that they should not panic.
"The main thing for us is to keep calm, keep pushing and keep trying to go forward in the right way and then we will not give any hope to the other teams," said Benitez.
"Arsenal is a top side, a good team. They are not the kind of team that will be 11 players behind the ball, close to the edge of the box waiting. It will be a different kind of game."
The Gunners will arrive at Stamford Bridge fresh off a hard fought, but well deserved victory at the Emirates against Swansea for the FA Cup.
Arsenal wasted chance after chance, leaving Arsene Wenger on the verge of a panic attack. In the end, Jack Wilshere scored the games lone goal after a brilliant strike from outside the 18 yard-box.
Sunday's derby will bring back some bad memories for Chelsea fans considering the match between these two clubs at Stamford Bridge last season.
A thrilling eight goal match that ended in a 3-5 victory for Arsenal. This time around, the Gunners will not be able to turn to Robin van Persie who scored three goals in this fixture last season.
Without Van Persie, Arsenal will be able to put some pressure on Theo Walcott who finally signed a new contract with the club.
Rafa Benitez will be without Oriol Romeu who has been out with a hamstring injury as well as Jon Obi Mikel and Victor Moses who are at the African Cup of Nations. John Terry, who has been out due to an injury could get the start in the Chelsea defense in Sundays match.
Mikel Arteta will continue to be out due to a calf strain while Tomas Rosicky could find himself back in the squad after missing out on the mid-week match against Swansea.
Previous Matches
09-29-12 Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea
04-21-12 Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
10-29-11 Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal
12-27-10 Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
10-03-10 Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
02-07-10 Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal
Prediction
Chelsea fans have not been very accepting of Rafa Benitez since he was appointed manager of their club. When the team is winning, they are able to put their frustrations behind them, but overall, they do not like having Benitez making the decisions.
Adding to their frustrations is their current home form. If not for their inconsistencies, they could well find themselves in a tighter race with Manchester City and Manchester United.
The same can be said for Arsenal who has been inconsistent at the Emirates in the last few years. A total of 17 points earned at home from a total of 30 is not very impressive.
Both teams come into this match with different confidence levels. Chelsea is in the middle of a home funk, and they are desperately trying to sort out their woes at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal has not been all that great away from home, claiming 17 points, the same as they have earned at home.
Neither team will want to make the first mistake and go behind in the match, so a very tactical and timid approach can be expected early on.
The best remedy for an open and attractive match on Sunday would be a goal from either side, forcing the match to open up.
All together, both sides have played each other 75 times for the English League at Stamford Bridge and both have come away with 25 wins while playing to a draw on 25 occasions. Will we see a high scoring affair this time around, or with both teams not wanting to lose, will it be a tight game?
Having lost at home in their first meeting this season on two very poorly defended set-pieces, Arsenal will be wanting to get some revenge on their London rivals. With a fresh new contract and a possible opportunity to be the lone striker, Walcott may be out to prove that he is worth his new lucrative contract.
Will Rafa Benitez choose to stick with Demba Ba in the Chelsea offense or will the inconsistent Fernando Torres get his chance against a very suspect Arsenal back-line?
With both teams not enjoying the greatest of seasons, this match may come down to a moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece.
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
