The much-anticipated London derby is around the corner as Arsenal are scheduled to host their bitter rivals, Chelsea, at the Emirates Stadium.
Irrespective of their form or position in the league standings, the fixture has proven to be a mouth-watering one in recent years and it promises to be the same this weekend.
Here are three key battles which could be instrumental in dictating the outcome of the clash between the two English heavyweights.
David Luiz vs Tammy Abraham
Veteran central defender David Luiz impressed against Bournemouth at the weekend, winning 4 aerial duels, and was very composed at the back. However, the Brazilian has lacked consistency and this is something he needs to address.
Luiz will come up against Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham who has been one of the best players under Frank Lampard. The 22-year-old has plundered 11 goals in 18 league games so far this campaign and has looked lethal upfront.
While the former will look to strike cohesion with his central defensive partner and play the role of a leader at the back, the latter will strive to exploit the weaknesses which exist in Arsenal’s backline and make Arteta wait for his first win as the Arsenal manager.
Mesut Ozil vs N’Golo Kante
Mesut Ozil has the calibre to turn the tables in favour of his side any given day with his majestic aura of making the most of the spaces afforded to him. Worryingly, the playmaker has flattered to deceive this season which is a serious cause of concern.
He has been losing possession regularly in the final third and is yet to thrive with confidence. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how he fares when he faces Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante and who manages to have the upper hand during the game.
Kante, with his ability to read the game meticulously, comes up with his shrewd interceptions and tackles to disrupt opposition’s attack time and again. If the Frenchman manages to keep Ozil at the bay or dispossess him, the Gunners will be in all sorts of trouble as it will allow the Blues to punish Arsenal on the counter-attacks.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Cesar Azpilicueta
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been one of the rare Arsenal players who have been productive so far this season. The Gabon international has 12 goals in 19 league games despite an apparent downfall of support from his teammates.
In order to accommodate Alexandre Lacazette up front, Aubameyang might be chalked on the left flank once again by Arteta. The latter is a clinical goalscorer who will show no mercy to Chelsea’s backline if he is handed a genuine opportunity to find the back of the net.
Frank Lampard might shift to a four-man backline after a fruitless game against Southampton, with Cesar Azpilicueta set to start as the right-back. He will be tasked with the responsibility of intercepting Aubameyang’s darting runs forward and disrupting his offensive manoeuvres.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
