Arsenal reclaimed top spot hours after losing it to the surprise package of the campaign in Leicester City courtesy of a lacklustre stalemate at Britannia Stadium last weekend and host Chelsea this Sunday afternoon as they aim at clinching their maiden Premier League title in 12 years.
Bereft of creativity and intent, the Gunners struggled to break the Potters’ deadlock, but Arsene Wenger has revealed that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil could return in time for the London derby to avenge the injustice served to them at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. Much to the delight of the Arsenal manager, his personnel came through the Stoke City fixture unscathed, meaning the underachievers may be demoted to the bench.
Petr Cech
The Czech Republic international has been incredible this season, offering much-needed calmness behind an error-prone back four, and his double save last weekend bears testimony to his impact at Emirates Stadium. With David Ospina still nursing his mystery injury, he will face his old teammates for the third time this season.
Hector Bellerin
With Mathieu Debuchy looking to seal a move to Bayer Leverkusen, the 20-year-old should start his 14th consecutive competitive fixture.
Centrebacks
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny keep their place after managing a clean sheet last weekend, but fans will expect them to be more astute as they allowed a goal-shy Liverpool side to beat them thrice.
Nacho Monreal
The Spanish fullback added Jonathan Walters to his pocket that is already crammed with right wingers and he should kick on, given his level of consistency.
Mathieu Flamini
Though Mohamed Elneny has accustomed to playing against elite football clubs, having regularly featured in European competitions, Arsene Wenger may not risk throwing him onto the pitch against Chelsea, despite their league position. The French midfielder should accordingly guard the back four when Guus Hiddink takes his lads up north.
Aaron Ramsey
With Santi Cazorla not expected to make his return anytime soon, the Welshman keeps his place in the starting eleven, and he still has plenty of time to establish himself as a regular. With a bit more defensive contribution, he will make the road to starting eleven full of thorns and stones for the diminutive Spaniard.
Joel Campbell
The 23-year-old winger proved his flexibility as he operated as the makeshift Mesut Ozil on a rainy evening at Stoke and has all but cemented his place in the starting eleven, with Theo Walcott being in the pole position to face the sack once Alexis Sanchez returns.
Mesut Ozil
Arsenal had trouble unlocking the defence comprising Ryan Shawcross and Philipp Wollscheid, but his return will be a major boost as the big clubs traditionally step up when facing fellow big boys. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to announce himself to the footballing world as he deputised for the German playmaker at Stoke City and Mesut Ozil will show him how passes are meant to be slid.
Theo Walcott
The England international keeps his place thanks to the reluctance of the manager to gamble with the injury of Alexis Sanchez, and this could well be his final opportunity to offer a selection headache, with Joel Campbell already having won over the fans.
Olivier Giroud
Petr Cech and Olivier Giroud are easily the first names on the teamsheet due to non-availability of able competitors or even understudies, but they have successfully negated the need for reinforcing their respective departments with their consistency. The former Montpellier man will hope to maintain his fine goal scoring form as he takes on the distorted Chelsea defence.
