Arsenal welcomes London rivals, Chelsea, in one of the most highly awaited fixtures in the Premier League Stadium on Boxing Day.
The Gunners are down in 15th position in the table and are searching for their first league win since the beginning of November. While Chelsea are looking to win back-to-back having easily dispatched West Ham United.
At this stage of a campaign since1974-75, Arsenal’s tally of 14 points out of 14 matches this season is actually their lowest. In football, the word crisis is used too much. But it might suit here as the Gunners continue to battle for results and indeed performances in the top flight of England.
Arsenal has not been victorious in the Premier League since a 1-0 victory at Manchester United on November 1. They have lost five of their last seven including four of its last five during a torrid form streak. Meanwhile, Chelsea is currently fifth in the league. They’ve won seven, drawn four, and lost three of their 14 games this season, gathering 25 points in the process.
The Blues reached the clash with West Ham on Monday off the back of consecutive defeats to Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers. But managed to conquer the Hammers courtesy of Thiago Silva’s first-half header and Tammy Abraham’s second-half brace.
After this one, Frank Lampard’s side have two tough matches. They’ll host will welcome a risky Aston Villa side to Stamford Bridge and Manchester City next.
Gabriel Martinelli is also a doubt, having taken a blow to his shin during the EFL Cup defeat to Man City, while Thomas Partey will again miss out due to a thigh problem. Aubameyang is still a doubt too. As for Chelsea, Hakim Ziyech remains on the sidelines with a thigh problem. While Reece James and Ben Chilwell are both huge doubts for the visitors ahead of the contest.
Possible Starting Lineup:
Arsenal: Leno; Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Pepe
Chelsea: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Emerson; Mount, Jorginho, Kante; Werner, Abraham, Pulisic
