Arsenal to take on Chelsea without star midfielder Thomas Partey
According to Arsenal’s official website (h/t Mirror), Arsenal will face Chelsea this weekend sans midfield star Thomas Partey.
The 27-year-old was also a target for Chelsea in the summer window. However, he moved to Arsenal and was their biggest signing of the summer.
The Ghanaian international injured himself in the Gunners’ loss to Tottenham and has not featured since. A physically dominant presence in the middle of the park, his absence will be one less thing for us to worry about.
Partry’s absence will make life easier for our midfield. The likes of N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount will have more time to maneuver.
It could get worse for the Gunners as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also a doubt for this weekend’s clash. The ace striker is yet to hit last season’s heights but is on his day Arsenal’s biggest goal threat. (h/t Daily Mail)
With Mesut Ozil not in the squad, Chelsea will have to face an Arsenal attack that is far from the juggernaut the club has put together in the past.
Chelsea addressed a two-game losing streak by dispatching West Ham United 3-0 on Monday. The win ensured we stayed within touching distance of league leaders, Liverpool.
The Blues have an excellent record against teams from the bottom half of the Premier league table this season. We have dropped points just once- against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
With Arsenal struggling in the 15th spot, we can hopefully keep the run going. Given the nature of the rivalry, form counts for little in such matchups. Frank Lampard’s side will do well to keep their performance levels up and not slack off.
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Chelsea are not without their own share of injuries. Hakim Ziyech has been ruled out while Ben Chilwell and Reece James are major doubts. (h/t Metro)
The last time both teams met was in last season’s FA Cup final. The Blues will be keen to settle scores this time around.