Mikel Arteta, Assistant Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Oxford United and Manchester City at Kassam Stadium on December 18, 2019 in Oxford, England. (Getty Images)
A struggling Arsenal welcome an inconsistent Chelsea in a crucial game for both sides at the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal, led by new boss Mikel Arteta, were far from impressive in his first game as Gunners manager, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea also has not been in the best of forms, with his side suffering a 0-2 loss to Southampton at home.
However, Arteta has a tougher task at hand as his side currently sits a lowly 11th in the league compared to Lampard’s Chelsea, who despite their recent losses are still safely sitting fourth in the table.
Centre-back Sokratis might mostly sit out after picking up a head injury against Cherries in the last game.
Left-backs Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have been completely ruled out from the fixture as they are yet to fully recover from their injuries.
Dani Ceballos, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Gabriel Martinelli, who recently returned to training, meanwhile, remain a doubt and would be playing if announced fit.
Had a rather average game last time against Cherries and has saved the Gunners during numerous occasions this season. He is sure to start.
With Bellerin still doubtful to start, the youngster would most probably be preferred, especially since they are short of options in that role.
After sitting out in the stalemate against Bournemouth due to suspension, Chambers could be seen returning to action in place of the injured Sokratis.
Arteta’s homecoming does not seem to have had much effect on the veteran, as he still looks way past his prime, but is sure to feature.
With both their left-backs sure not to play, Saka might start his third game in a row. The teenager is good going upfront but has to improve his defence.
Arteta seemed to have made his intentions known by starting the experienced Xhaka and would be featuring him once again in the middle.
The midfielder does have talent as it was evident during brief spells in the game against the Cherries, but at times has looked clueless.
The youngster took his chances well and played his part in Arsenal’s equaliser with a deflected shot which fell to skipper Aubameyang.
After a long time, the German once again looked like his former self in Arteta’s managerial debut with his slick passing and movements off the ball
Saved the blushes for the Gunners with an equaliser. He proved his credential as an excellent finisher by lunging on to Nelson’s deflected shot.
Like Xhaka, Lacazette also seems to be favoured by the manager. He likes to play with his back to the goal which gives other attackers space in the box.
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