Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard says that winning the group and getting more first-team minutes will motivate the squad during their match against Sevilla. (GETTY Images)
Chelsea take on Arsenal at the Emirates in the standout fixture of the Premier League weekend.
The circumstances of both teams could not be more different heading into the pivotal fixture. While Chelsea will be keen to get a win and stay within reach in the title race, Arsenal will hope to put distance between them and the relegation spots.
A run of one win in 10 has seen the Gunners get drawn into the unceremonious discussions involving relegation. That should matter little to Chelsea who are hoping to build upon the promise shown last season.
Given the history of the fixture, it promises to be a competent match. At the end of the day, it isn’t just bragging rights that are for grabs.
The match will also see former Chelsea star Willian return to the Bridge for the first time since his departure in the summer.
This will be the 202nd meeting between the clubs in their history. Arsenal hold an edge with 78 wins while Chelsea have triumphed 65 times themselves.
Chelsea could be without three first-team stars this weekend. Creative midfielder Hakim Ziyech and marauding left-back Ben Chilwell are sure to miss the match while Reece James remains a doubt.
This can see Cesar Azpilicueta and Emerson Palmieri both feature in the starting lineup. The Blues will, however, have Callum Hudson-Odoi back and will hope Timo Werner can break his 10-match goal drought at the Emirates.
A no-brainer, Mendy has been Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper since he joined the club in the summer. It is difficult to see the Senegalese star being dropped anytime soon.
With James ruled out, the 31-year-old veteran will be expected to fill in at right-back. The Spaniard has been an excellent performer for the club and is well aware of our rivalry with Arsenal.
He recently warned his teammates against being complacent while facing the Gunners. All in all, he looks ready to be counted upon once again. Azpilicueta could be directly up against former teammate Willian.
The Frenchman has improved this season and struck up an excellent partnership with Thiago Silva. While we do have options at centre-back, Zouma and Silva will be the preferred pairing provided both are fit.
The Brazilian veteran has exceeded expectations since joining the season in the summer. At 36, he is the cornerstone of the Blues defence and will be called upon to use his organizational and leadership skills once again.
The Italian has struggled for game time this season. With Chilwell nursing an ankle injury, Emerson could be set for a run of games during the festive schedule.
With Marcos Alonso out of favour, Chelsea have no other senior left-back to call upon but Emerson.
Coming off the back of an injury-ravaged 2019/20 campaign, Kante is one again asserting himself as a dominant force in the Chelsea midfield. The Frenchman will act as a pivot for a Blues side that will look to get at Arsenal from the start.
With Granit Xhaka back in contention for Arsenal, Chelsea will need their midfield general to win the battle in the middle of the park.
A player who has stepped up his game in recent weeks and is a sure starter when fit. His ability to bomb forward and also have a pop at goal will be a challenge for the Arsenal defence.
The Croatian is a player who likes to get stuck in and can thrive in the absence of Thomas Partey. Kovacic offers more ability than Jorginho and is also quicker than the Italian. With him and Kante patrolling the midfield, Mount will have more opportunities to get forward.
The American international is one of Chelsea’s most devastating attackers. He gave us the lead over Arsenal in last season’s FA Cup final before being taken off injured.
His absence completely changed the complexion of the tie. Having only recently returned from injury, Pulisic will be a direct threat to what has been a rather porous Arsenal defence.
The German ace is currently struggling to put away goals and has recently been shifted onto the left-wing. Playing against a side that is defensively wanting could be the antidote he needs to rediscover his scoring touch.
His ability to link up with Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic could pave the way for the Blues to start on the front foot. There is no better time for the 24-year-old to rediscover his scoring touch.
The English international scored twice last Monday to help Chelsea snap a two-game Premier League losing streak. He will once again be expected to lead the line against our arch-rivals.
Former Arsenal ace Olivier Giroud could have to contend with a place on the bench.
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