Chelsea are travelling to the Emirates for their first Premier League fixture of the year to face rivals Arsenal. The Gunners are coming off a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion and are sitting on the 5th spot of the points table.
A significant gap of 6 points behind Liverpool needs to be addressed immediately if they want to finish the season within the top 4.
The reverse fixture between these two clubs ended 0-0 and Arsene Wenger ended his 5-game losing streak at Stamford Bridge. However, they have won just 2 of their last 5 games and are facing heavy competition from the elite sides of the Premier League.
A win would be a big boost but Chelsea are not exactly facing complacency to drop points and allow Manchester United to surge ahead. Antonio Conte’s men are just a point behind the Red Devils with a game in hand and are on a good run of form.
Their dominating display against Stoke City saw them win 5-0 in their last fixture. This makes the North-London derby a thrilling contest every time with both teams gunning for ways to get the advantage over the other.
However, the injury to Mesut Ozil might cause a few problems for the Arsenal boss.
Wenger is expected to field his men in the 3-4-3 formation.
Defence
Petr Cech has been the leading man for Wenger in between the sticks. He should get the nod for this fixture against his former employers.
The defensive back 3 is expected to be filled with Per Mertesacker, Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers. Laurent Koscielny, unfortunately, picked up an injury in the last fixture and has been deemed unfit for this fixture.
Midfield
Hector Bellerin should see himself starting in the right wing back position however, Sead Kolasinac has been ruled out for two weeks.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is expected to replace him in the left flank.
Jack Wilshere has been the best player for Arsenal in recent weeks and is expected to pair up with Granit Xhaka around the centre circle. The duo will be well matched against the likes of N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas.
Attack
Even with the transfer rumours surrounding him every week, Alexis Sanchez is still irreplaceable in the starting lineup. He is the right choice to take up the left wing position with Alex Iwobi fielded on the other wing.
With Olivier Giroud ruled out for at least 3 weeks, Alexandre Lacazette is expected to start in the lone striker role.
