Arsenal vs. Chelsea match thread: maybe this time

Arsenal have been in bad shape for a while now, and there has been precious little in the performances to indicate they are clawing their way back into form. When you’re in the midst of the worst start in decades at the club and mired in the bottom third of the table, that’s not really where you want to be as a side. But there’s not much Arsenal can do other than put their heads down and keep working. Today’s task: a visit from Chelsea.

Frank Lampard has the Blues fifth in the table, but they had dropped two straight Premier League matches before thumping West Ham on Monday. New signing Timo Werner is stuck in a goal drought, but our old friend Olivier Giroud has been picking up the slack nicely. Edouard Mendy has been quite good in goal since his move from Ligue 1 to take over from the dreadful Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Gabriel Martinelli, who looked fantastic against Manchester City before picking up a knock, appears to be no worse the wear. He’s not listed on the injury report and appears to be available. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being assessed ahead of today’s match to determine his availability. Thomas Partey is unavailable as he continues to work back from re-injuring his thigh. Granit Xhaka served his suspension and is once again available for selection.

Chelsea are in a bit fullback pinch — both Ben Chilwell and Reece James are carrying knocks. Hakim Ziyech is out for the Blues.

Arsenal - Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Lacazette

Chelsea - Mendy, James, Zouma, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Pulisic, Abraham, Werner

WHAT: Arsenal vs. Chelsea
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: Saturday, December 26th, 9:30 AM PT | 12:30 PM ET | 5:30 PM BT
US TV: NBC and UNIVERSO. Stream here and FuboTV.

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