Chelsea’s 5-0 hammering of Stoke City marked a perfect end to a good year for the Blues. It helped them prepare for their first clash of the New Year, a mouthwatering clash against their North London rivals Arsenal. Manchester City’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace means that the Champions are now 14 points adrift of the league leaders. Antonio Conte has effectively ruled his team out of the race and will now look to consolidate on a top-four place. A win against Arsenal will see them reclaim their second spot by toppling Manchester United.
The Blues have already suffered their four Premier League defeats in the season in just 21 matches and have drawn three matches. Conte will know the significance of every win now with the race for top four already heating up. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and surprise package Burnley are all within shooting distance of Chelsea and slipping up against weaker sides like Stoke City is simply not an option for the Italian.
Last time out when the two sides faced each other, the sides were locked to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.
With the Blues this time paying a visit to the Emirates, here is how Conte will look to set his team up for a match the Blues will be expected to win comfortably.
Formation: 3-5-2
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be expected in goal once again for the Champions. The defensive three is expected to be without David Luiz who is still out with a knee injury. Cesar Azpilicueta will be one of the three centre-backs. Andreas Christensen who missed the last match through illness will be expected back at the middle of the three centre-halves with Gary Cahill expected to continue at the back and have the armband on the night to lead the Blues.
Marcos Alonso will prepare for what will be his umpteenth match this season as a left wing back with Davide Zappacosta expected on the right side after scoring an impressive goal against Stoke City.
Midfield
Tiemoue Bakayoko along with N’Golo Kante can be expected at the base of the midfield with Cesc Fabregas up ahead of them. Danny Drinkwater who scored a scorcher in Chelsea’s 5-0 win over Stoke City will be back on the bench.
Attack
The dangerous duo of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata can be expected up top and will be tasked with the responsibility of scoring the goals and lead Chelsea to another much needed three points.
