Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has named his starting line-up for tonight’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road and will be eyeing another three points.
Ahead of tonight’s derby, Arteta has made a couple of changes from the win at the Molineux Stadium.
In the back four, Takehiro Tomiyasu has been reinstated into the starting line-up ahead of Jakub Kiwior in the left back position.
The other change is in the heart of the midfield. Thomas Partey gets his first start of the year alongside Declan Rice.
Gabriel Jesus has been dropped to the bench. Kai Havertz will be leading the line against his former employers.
Confirmed Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Chelsea: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Havertz.
Arsenal are currently top of the table on goal difference to Liverpool. Manchester City are third in the standings, but they are only one point behind with a game in hand.
Hence, the Gunners can’t afford to slip up anymore. Arteta’s side need to pick up three points tonight to give themselves a chance of ending their two-decade wait for the title.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four meetings against the Blues with three wins and one draw. The stalemate came at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign.
The Blues raced into a comfortable 2-0 lead, but Arsenal came back to share the spoils. The Gunners need a quick start with a goal tonight to ease any potential nerves.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
