One of the most eagerly anticipated Boxing Day fixtures takes place this weekend in the Premier League. Out of form Arsenal welcome in-form Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The match schedules for Saturday with kickoff at 830 pm.
The Gunners, who are currently down at the 15th spot, will be searching for their first November victory. On the other hand, Chelsea will be looking to make it back to back wins after two unsuccessful defeats before their last weekend win against West Ham.
The Gunners currently tally of 14 points after 14 league matches are their worst start to their campaign since 1974-75. There seems to be a divide in the locker room with certain players backing under-fire coach Arteta.
With the January transfer window open, the board looks set to back the coach with new signings to solidify their midfield. There continues to be a growing controversy over the fate of Mustafi, Ozil and Sokratis at the club.
Since their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, the Gunners have lost five of their last seven Premier League matches. It includes four losses in their last four matches making for a horrid run of form.
Things are different for their London rivals who need a win to take their Premier League’s top spot. The side is currently fifth with seven wins, four draws and three losses in their last league matches.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Head to Head
Both sides have 39 matches against each other with Arsenal taking home 12 wins while Chelsea with 18 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Arsenal 1-4 Manchester City
Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Southampton
Arsenal 0-1 Burnley
Dundalk 2-4 Arsenal
Away
Chelsea 3-0 West Ham
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Chelsea 1-1 FC Krasnodar
Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United
Arsenal Team News
Thomas Partey is still undergoing assessment and remains unavailable for selection till the New Year. Gabrielle Martinelli shook off an injury scare and remains available with an important goal against the Blues last summer. Granit Xhaka and Bellerin are back in contention after picking suspensions.
Chelsea Team News
Hakim Ziyech remains on the sidelines with a thigh problem while Reece James and Ben Chilwell remain major doubts ahead of the clash. It means Azpilicueta and Emerson will start as full-backs. Havertz might start on the bench to pave the way for Werner and Pulisic on the flanks.
Prediction and Odds
It is way too soon for Arsenal to kick off their current horrid form against an in-form Blues side look for back to back wins.
Chelsea Win
Both Teams to Score
Goals Under 3.5
