Two of London’s biggest clubs collide this weekend as Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta was able to rest many of his troops against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in midweek after winning the first leg of their round-of-16 tie 7-1.
The coaching staff are monitoring the fitness of Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli. Both players featured against PSV after spending prolonged periods on the sidelines.
Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka is edging closer to a return, but this afternoon’s match might come too soon for him. The 23-year-old was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad due to a hamstring injury, but the winger is expected to be back after the international break.
Chelsea also advanced into a European quarter final in midweek as they knocked out FC Copenhagen in the Europa Conference League.
Like Arsenal, the Blues have also had to deal with multiple absences in forward areas. Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are also on course to be available after a fortnight-long break.
Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana are back at Enzo Maresca’s disposal today after being ineligible to play in Europe.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
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Arsenal: LDWDD
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night means they’ve only won once in their last five games.
Oleksandr Zinchenko recorded his first goal of the campaign with Declan Rice grabbing the other. However, the scoreline was virtually insignificant following their record-breaking 7-1 massacre in the first leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face perennial winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
An underwhelming run of form in the Premier League has seen their title hopes dissipate. They are winless in three, with a home loss to West Ham preceding draws with Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
Today’s match is Arsenal’s game in hand over Liverpool, but even a win would leave them 12 points off the summit.
