Match Preview

It was the same old story for Arsenal this season against Sheffield United at the weekend, ending in a 1-1 draw, the Gunners 11th of the campaign. This time out they need all three points to have any chance of playing in the Champions League next year, with Frank Lampard’s Chelsea standing in their way. Both sides know how important this game is, as they have been very inconsistent in recent weeks, with Chelsea dropping more points at home and Arsenal not being able to get going when playing away. As a result, it puts this match very finely balanced, both teams will feel they can come away with the win.

The raucous London Derby atmosphere will contribute to a thrilling affair, with both teams trying to control possession and dictate the game from the off. Arteta’s Arsenal will press high and try to replicate the first half they put in against the Blues a couple of weeks ago, then Lampard’s Chelsea will believe that they have learnt from that experience and now know how to combat it. It could go either way, as I believe it will be an end to end game with quite a few chances considering both sides defences in recent times. Everyone involved knows the consequences for not getting a result, therefore I can see this one being a high scoring fixture.

Arsenal have a few fresh injury concerns as it was confirmed on Monday that Kolasinac has a slight thigh strain and will return to the fold after the winter break on 2nd February. Reiss Nelson is in the same situation and is out for the same amount of time due to a hamstring problem. Sokratis is a doubt for this one as well and is being assessed by the doctors as he was ill at the weekend. The Gunners have two long term injuries in the form of Kieran Tierney and Callum Chambers. On the other hand, Chelsea have some fitness issues themselves, as Reece James limped off injured during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle and is a doubt. Marcos Alonso is also in a race to be fit in time, as he has been out with a slight back injury. Not only this, but Christian Pulisic will be missing for the Blues as he was injured in training about a week ago.

Predicted Lineup

Formation – 4-2-3-1

GK – Bernd Leno

RB – Maitland – Niles

CB – David Luiz

CB – Sokratis

LB – Bukayo Saka

CM – Lucas Torreira

CM – Granit Xhaka

RM – Nicolas Pepe

CAM – Mesut Ozil

LM – Gabriel Martinelli

ST – Alexandre Lacazette

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James Humphreys