Premier League, Arsenal vs Chelsea: Preview, Dream11 and stats
Struggling Arsenal take on London rivals Chelsea in gameweek 15 of the Premier League on Boxing Day. The Gunners are placed 15th at the moment and could be in for a relegation battle if results don't improve. Meanwhile, fifth-placed Chelsea got back to winnings ways after two successive defeats. Ahead of a crucial match, we present the preview.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Team news and selection
For Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to be monitored after missing successive matches with a calf strain. Gabriel Martinelli (shin) will be assessed, while Granit Xhaka returns after a three-match ban. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is yet to recover from a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, full-backs Ben Chilwell and Reece James are doubtful with respective ankle and knee injuries.
Can Arteta's Arsenal stop Chelsea?
Arsenal need to be at their absolute best to turn things around. The Gunners, who were thrashed by Manchester City in the League Cup quarter-final, need to react in a positive manner. Chelsea have a lot of quality in attack and Arsenal will be asked questions. The form of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma in defence will please manager Frank Lampard.
Presenting the key stats ahead of the match
Arsenal haven't lost back-to-back home league games against Chelsea since November 2009. Their tally of 14 points from 14 matches is their worst record at this stage of a season since 1974-75. They could equal their worst Premier League run of eight games without a win. Chelsea's joint-top scorer Timo Werner (8) has failed to score in his last nine games across competitions.
Predicted starting XI, Fantasy Dream11 and match prediction
Arsenal predicted starting XI: Leno; Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka; Willian, Lacazette, Pepe. Chelsea predicted starting XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Emerson; Mount, Jorginho, Kante; Werner, Abraham, Pulisic. Dream11 team prediction (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Gabriel, Zouma, Silva, Tierney; Kante, Xhaka; Lacazette (vc), Mount (c), Saka; Abraham. Match prediction: Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea.
Timing and TV listing
The match is set to start at 11:00 PM IST on Saturday. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on Hotstar (paid subscription).
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