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Updated December 28th, 2019 at 15:48 IST

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Beleaguered London sides aim to arrest slide in form at Emirates

The London derby will have some consequence in the race for the top four in the Premier League. Chelsea hang on to fourth place by a thread after a 0-2 loss.

Reported by: Colin DCunha
Arsenal
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There were some encouraging signs for Mikel Arteta despite his Arsenal side labouring to a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Boxing Day. Chelsea, on the other hand, succumbed to a shock 0-2 defeat at home to a spirited Southampton side. Both sides will look to kick on from their Boxing Day results in the London derby on Sunday, December 29 at 7:30 PM IST. 

Also Read | Arsenal Vs Bournemouth Highlights: Aubameyang Nets First Goal Of The Mikel Arteta Era

Arsenal vs Chelsea preview

Mikel Arteta praised his Arsenal side for their mentality during the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. The Gunners fought back from a one-goal deficit to share the points with Bournemouth courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's leveller. However, it wasn't the most convincing display from the Gunners.

Also Read | Mikel Arteta's Arsenal Appointment Imminent: What The Former Gunner Brings To The Emirates

Chelsea's loss at home to Southampton had little to no silver lining for the Blues. A 1-3 loss at Everton was followed by a 0-1 loss at home to Bournemouth. Followed by that, Frank Lampard's side were condemned to a second consecutive defeat at home in the Premier League this season when Ralph Hasenhuttl's side pulled themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge. The faint silver lining from the loss to Southampton was that Callum Hudson-Odoi made his first start for Chelsea since October. Chelsea are currently fourth on the Premier League table. However, fifth-placed Wolves are just two points behind Frank Lampard's side. Arsenal, on the other hand, will look to climb back into the top half of the Premier League table this weekend.

Arsenal vs Chelsea key battles

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have faced issues with their defence this season. Both sides have shipped a combined 55 goals this season - just three more than Manchester City's goal tally so far. With Tammy Abraham pitted against David Luiz and Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Chelsea's top scorer will be the favourite to come out on top. However, the midfield appears to be where the battle will be won for either side. Mesut Ozil is one of the few midfielders with an eye for a pass in the Arsenal squad. The German's playmaking abilities will be put to the test against French World Cup winner N'Golo Kante, who has failed to reach the heights of his defensive solidity this season. Arsenal's Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira haven't done too well either. However, with Ceballos out injured, Mikel Arteta will have little choice but to go with the midfield from the game against Bournemouth.

Also Read | Solskajer Slams Festive Fixture Pile-up

Arsenal vs Chelsea team news

Rob Holding and Dani Ceballos will be the most likely absentees from the Arsenal squad, while Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney will also miss out. Frank Lampard could choose to start Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic in midfield. Marcos Alonso could also feature for the Blues at the Emirates after the Spaniard missed the game against Southampton with an injury. 

Also Read | Mikel Arteta Joined Arsenal After Failing To Impress Manchester City Management

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Published December 28th, 2019 at 15:48 IST

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