Here’s how Arsenal could start against Chelsea
Arsenal play host to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon looking for a win which is likely to earn them a return to the top half of the Premier League log.
Despite Mikel Arteta watching his new side earn a share of the spoils at Bournemouth on Boxing Day, the Gunners are still eight points adrift of their next opponents.
However, Arteta will take encouragement from the North London outfit having avoided defeat in their last two outings, both of which have been played away from the Emirates Stadium.
Out: Kieran Tierney (shoulder), Sead Kolasinac (ankle),
Doubtful: Hector Bellerin (hamstring), Gabriel Martinelli (thigh), Dani Ceballos (hamstring), Rob Holding (knee), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (head)
Despite the 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium, Arteta is likely to freshen up his team for the visit of Frank Lampard’s side.
Having sustained a head injury against the Cherries, Sokratis Papastathopoulos may be replaced by Calum Chambers, who missed the last match through suspension.
A further alteration could be made in midfield with Matteo Guendouzi taking the place of either Lucas Torreira or Granit Xhaka.
However, Mesut Ozil’s participation from the opening whistle could potentially depend on if Dani Ceballos has shaken off a hamstring injury, which has kept him sidelined for a number of weeks.
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While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are considered to be certain starters, Reiss Nelson could be replaced on the flank.
Providing that he has recovered from a minor thigh issue, Gabriel Martinelli may return, although Nicolas Pepe will be hopeful of a recall.