Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to make it two wins on the trot in the league when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on a faltering Arsenal team on Boxing Day. The Blues had been in red hot form until about a couple of weeks ago, when much to the surprise of the fans, they lost two league games in a now. While the first one was a display where the Chelsea attackers never really got going, the second one highlighted some of the wastefulness that was on display. However, they have since managed to stage a comeback though.
After frustrating defeats to both Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Frank Lampard’s men got back to winning ways against David Moyes’ West Ham United team. The Hammers have been in good form of late, but Chelsea’s defence line seemed to stand extremely strong against whatever their London rivals threw at them that evening. Although they weren’t at full-flow by any stretch, Chelsea did enough to take home all three points on that occasion. A goal from Thiago Silva and a quick-fire double from Tammy Abraham ensured that the Blues climbed the table once again.
Team News
Despite seemingly getting through an injury-laden spell in the earlier part of the season, Frank Lampard has been faced with a similar situation yet again now. Reece James has undoubtedly been one of the Blues’ best players since the start of the season, and the Englishman, alongside Ben Chilwell, are both unlikely to feature in the match against Arsenal. Although Hakim Ziyech has reportedly returned to training, it’s unlikely that Lampard will risk him in this outing. The only positive is that Callum Hudson-Odoi is likely to be available for selection.
Here Is The Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Arsenal
Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Arsenal
Defence
Since Edouard Mendy’s arrival at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign, Kepa Arrizabalaga has barely got a look-in into the team. That trend is likely to continue into this fixture as well, with the Senegalese international keeper expected to retain his place. In front of him, the Blues’ first-choice back-line of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva is set to continue. With both first-choice full-backs unavailable for selection, Lampard will be forced to play his back-ups, which means that Emerson and Cesar Azpilicueta will take up the full-back roles.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante’s importance to this Chelsea team is something that cannot be underplayed. His defensive acumen and sheer energy are unmatched, and the role that he plays is something that cannot be replicated by any other player in world football. The Frenchman is hence expected to start, with Mateo Kovacic returning to the eleven alongside him. Mason Mount has been one of the Blues’ standout players over the last number of weeks, and his place in the team is safe as well.
Attack
Although Olivier Giroud has been in good form over the last few matches, expect Lampard to stick to his guns and play Tammy Abraham in the striking role for this London derby. The Englishman scored two vital goals for Chelsea on the weekend, and his pace and energy will likely come good against Arsenal’s questionable defence line. Timo Werner’s explosive pace has the potential to cause any defence in the world all kinds of problems, and the German is likely to start on the flank, with American international Christian Pulisic over on the other side.
