Arsenal could only manage a draw in Mikel Arteta’s first game in charge for the club and next up will be the manager’s first big test as the Gunners take on Chelsea in the Premier League.
The North London side have failed to win 10 of their last 11 matches in the Premier League and this streak could very well continue since Arsenal are looking terrible in defence.
Arsenal have conceded at least 2 goals in their last 3 home matches in the league and with the kind of attack that Chelsea have at their disposal, Areta’s men could be in for yet another tough night.
Also to make matters worse the new manager currently has to deal with a series of injury concerns and most of them are in the defensive areas.
Arsenal team news vs Chelsea:
Kieran Tierney remains a long-term absentee after dislocating his shoulder and even Sead Kolasinac will return back to full training only in January.
This means that once again youngster Bukayo Saka will have to play in the left-back role and this could be a huge cause of concern for the manager.
Calum Chambers is available again after serving a one-match ban meaning the defender should return back to the first XI on Sunday against the Blues.
While some people claim that it will be David Luiz who will make way for the Chambers but we think it will be Sokratis who will drop to the bench.
Hector Bellerin is still recovering from a tight hamstring and as per the latest reports, the Spaniard will go through a late fitness test in order to determine his availability. In case, Bellerin cannot make himself fit then it will be Maitland-Niles who will play as the right-back.
Dani Ceballos is ruled out with a thigh injury and as per the latest updates, the loanee will return back to training next week meaning the likes of Guendouzi and Xhaka will once again start in central midfield.
Mesut Ozil played in the attacking midfielder’s role on Boxing Day and we believe Arteta will once again lay his faith on the German playmaker when Arsenal take on the Blues.
Nicolas Pepe started the Bournemouth game on the bench but it is more or less certain that the summer signing will get a start on Sunday when Chelsea come to the Emirates.
Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Chelsea:
Starting XI: Bernd Leno; Bellerin/Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Chambers, Saka; Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ozil; Aubameyang, Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe.
