Preview: Arsenal vs. Chelsea

The standout tie in the last 16 of the League Cup sees London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea meet at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

It is also battle of the top two in the Premier League, with Arsene Wenger's Gunners two clear of Jose Mourinho's Blues in the top flight after both sides won in the league at the weekend.

Mourinho is likely to make more changes to his lineup, with Juan Mata, Samuel Eto'o, John Obi Mikel, Willian, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta all in line for a return to the starting lineup.

Wenger could welcome back club captain Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere to his XI, with Per Mertesacker and the suspended Mikel Arteta set to be replaced.

Chelsea were victorious in both meetings between the pair last season by two goals to one, with Mata finding the net in both.

Recent form

Arsenal: WLWDWW Chelsea: WWWWDW

Possible starting lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Monreal; Wilshere, Rosicky, Ramsey; Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole; Mikel, Ramires; Willian, Mata, Hazard; Eto'o

Sports Mole says: 1-1 (Arsenal on pens)