Arsene Wenger's side made it four top-flight games unbeaten with their 4-1 thumping of Hull City last weekend, a brace from Alexis Sanchez and single strikes from Theo Walcott and Granit Xhaka helping the Gunners to a resounding triumph at the KCOM Stadium. It was a much-improved display from Arsenal, who had looked a little disjointed and incoherent in previous matches against Liverpool, Leicester City and Southampton, with the north Londoners now in a reasonably strong position towards the top of the early standings. Another positive performance and result this weekend would raise confidence levels among both players and supporters, particularly as Arsenal have struggled against Chelsea in recent years.
Antonio Conte’s men suffered their first defeat of the campaign last time out, with Liverpool running out 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge. It has still been a positive start to the season for Chelsea after last season’s dismal title defence – they have amassed 10 points out of possible 15 and sit fifth in the table – but there were signs of vulnerability in their showing against Liverpool, when the Blues were outplayed for long periods in front of their own supporters. They will need to raise their game if they are to triumph against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, although the fact that they will be able to soak up pressure and hit their opponents on the break could suit them on Saturday.
Arsenal will have to make do without Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Carl Jenkinson for this weekend’s derby, but Gabriel Paulista, Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey could all be in the squad after respective injury lay-offs. Granit Xhaka could come into the midfield in place of either Santi Cazorla or Francis Coquelin after beginning recent games on the substitutes’ bench, while Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott will probably start on the flanks following fine performances against Hull. Alexis Sanchez is expected to lead the line in the centre-forward position, but Lucas Perez’s two goals against Nottingham Forest in midweek could see him come in contention.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of long-term absentee Kurt Zouma, but captain John Terry may return after an ankle problem. Diego Costa has scored five goals in five Premier League appearances so far this term and will be looking to continue his positive record against Arsenal, with Eden Hazard and Willian set to be tasked with supplying the ammunition once more. Cesc Fabregas impressed against Leicester City on Tuesday and might be involved from the start against his former club.
Backing a score draw might be the best option for Saturday’s encounter, with 2-2 a scoreline that could bring good value. Costa’s clinical edge in front of goal should see him get his name on the scoresheet for the sixth time, with Walcott another option for anytime scorer.
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