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Recommended bets
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Match preview
London’s two most decorated clubs meet for the 206th time, in a crucial clash at the top of the Premier League table.
After 12 games, it is Arsenal who lead the way, few would’ve predicted that, returning to the top by hammering Nottingham Forest 5-0 last Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli heading home, Reiss Nelson bagging an unlikely brace, before thunderbolts from Thomas Partey and Martin Ødegaard sealed the win.
So, having won five of their last six league fixtures, the Gunners remain two points clear of Manchester City, who host Fulham on Saturday.
In stark contrast, Chelsea were on the wrong end of a demolition last weekend.
It was Graham Potter’s first return to the Amex, and his new team were unable to live with a highly-motivated Brighton, who ran out 4-1 winners.
Both teams were involved in low-key European home games this week, with Chelsea beating GNK Dinamo Zagreb in a Champions League dead-rubber.
Despite falling behind after just six minutes, goals from Raheem Sterling and Denis Zakaria, yes he does play for Chelsea, downed the Croatian champions.
The following night, Arsenal took top spot in their Europa League group by beating Zürich, with Kieran Tierney the night’s only scorer.
Here, having prevailed 4-2 in April, Arsenal are looking to win three successive visits to Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1951, enjoying a sequence of five consecutive victories back then.
Will Arsenal enjoy another weekend top of the table, or will Chelsea win their final home match before the World Cup break?
Chelsea team news
Given that they’d already wrapped up top spot, Graham Potter rotated his squad for Wednesday night’s win.
However, Ben Chilwell picked up a serious hamstring injury right at the end of that one, so could be out for several months.
He joins Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N’Golo Kanté are the long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, in goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga sustained a foot injury at the Amex, so Édouard Mendy will deputise.
Potter deployed Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs at Brighton, an experiment that didn’t pay off.
So, expect to see Marc Cucurella and César Azpilicueta deployed as more orthodox full-backs this time.
Up top, will all the post-match headlines be about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang?
He scored 92 goals for Arsenal, including two in an FA Cup Final victory over Chelsea, but, after being ignominiously forced out the door, will be desperate for some revenge.
Arsenal team news
Aside from back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner and long-term absentee Emile Smith Rowe, Mikel Arteta, potentially, has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
That’s because Mohamed Elneny started against Zürich, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was on the bench; he hasn’t featured since 1 October.
However, there is concern surrounding Takehiro Tomiyasu, after he was forced off just 15 minutes after coming on due to a muscle pull.
If the Japanese full-back is not available, Thursday’s match-winner Kieran Tierney will start at left-back.
The rest of the XI is very settled, with Bukayo Saka ready to go, despite hobbling off against Nottingham Forest.
Granit Xhaka will return in midfield, having sat out the mid-week win due to suspension.
Gabriel Jesus is currently enduring an eight-game goal draught, dating back to the North London derby, and has only scored once in 12 appearances against Chelsea.
He and William Saliba are one booking away from a ban.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Match statistics
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