Gunners ready to open up NINE-point gap with huge win at Chelsea, this is the XI to do it

 By Danong

After a spirited bounce back from the 2-2 draw against Sunderland, with convincing wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich, Arsenal now turn their attention to Chelsea.  

For this clash, the Gunners make the short trip to Stamford Bridge eager to sustain their fine form and stretch nine points clear of the Blues.  

In their 3-1 victory over Bayern, Arsenal welcomed back Martin Odegaard, and this Sunday, they could also have Viktor Gyökeres available for selection.  

Meanwhile, Chelsea may be buoyed by the possible return of their key man, Cole Palmer, who has been nursing an injury.  

Unbeaten in six matches, with five wins and a draw, the Blues go to this match at their strongest; they cannot be underestimated.  

Nevertheless, Arsenal have dominated London derbies, suffering only three defeats in their last 40 encounters, while winning 28 and drawing 9. On Sunday, they will be aiming to notch up a 29th victory.

Arteta should not hesitate to deploy the line-up that dismantled Spurs; it could well overwhelm Chelsea too.  

That said, a necessary adjustment may be required on the left wing, with Leandro Trossard a doubt through injury. Hopefully, Gabriel Martinelli can step up. If he does, the left wing should be in safe hands.

Alternatively Arteta may decide to start with Noni Madueke and utilise Martinelli later if required with his finishing abilities! 

Merino’s role as a false #9 will continue to ignite Arsenal’s attacking play remarkably.

Raya  
Timber, Gabriel, Hincapié, Calafiori  
Zubimendi, Rice, Eze  
Saka, Merino, Martinelli  

Ultimately, a victory over Chelsea would send a resounding message: in the Premier League title race, there is only one team to beat and that team is Arsenal.  

This starting line-up is very capable of taking care of Spurs but a surprise is expected

 By Danong

After that minor setback against Sunderland, where Arsenal dropped two points in a 2-2 draw just before the November international break, the Gunners will be determined to respond in style.  

And what better way to do so than against their noisy neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur.  

On Sunday night, Arsenal welcome Spurs to the Emirates for the first North London derby of the season. The stadium has long been a difficult hunting ground for Tottenham, and Arsenal will be eager to ensure it remains that way.  

History certainly favours the hosts. In 23 visits, the Lilywhites have suffered 14 defeats, drawn seven times, and managed only two victories. Facing an Arsenal side who sit deservedly at the top of the league and are charging towards the title, Sunday evening promises to be a frustrating occasion for Spurs fans.  

Of course, Mikel Arteta must contend with the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, while doubts linger over the availability of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz. Viktor Gyokeres also remains a doubt.  

In any case if someone of those players makes it then the bench will most probably be where they sit.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have their own injury woes. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Drăgușin, and Archie Gray are all ruled out, while Lucas Bergvall is a doubt after picking up a knock on international duty.  

That said, Arsenal can take encouragement from the return of Gabriel Jesus. At the same time, Ricardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who were injury doubts during the break, are expected to be available for selection.  

That said, should Arteta decide to go strong without Gabriel, he could not go stronger than:  

Raya  
Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori  
Zubimendi, Rice, Eze  
Saka, Merino, Trossard

The inclusion of Hincapie is preferred as he is left footed thus restoring the balance in the centre of Arsenal's defence. He is also more combative than Mosquera which is an asset that may be of essence in such a derby.

Merino will come in for Gyökeres...if the latter is declared not fit. But will he? With Arteta you never know.

But this XI should be more than capable of getting the job done, restoring Arsenal’s momentum and setting them up perfectly for the looming clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

History favours the Gunners against Burnley but will it repeat itself?

 By Danong

After booking their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 2–0 win over Brighton, Arsenal now shift focus to their upcoming Premier League clash with Burnley.

A trip to Turf Moor isn’t the sternest of tests and on paper, Arsenal should be winning this one.

However, Burnley arrive buoyed by back-to-back victories and for that reason, they cannot be taken lightly.

That said, history favours the Gunners. In their last five meetings, the Clarets have failed to muster a win against Arsenal drawing two and losing three the last one ending in a 5-0 thrashing.

Arteta and his players will be eager to replicate that result and to do so, the manager will need to field his strongest available XI.

Notably, the strongest XI will now be without Gabriel Martinelli and possibly William Saliba, who is an injury doubt.

The pair might join Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus on the absentee list.

Still, Arsenal’s astute summer transfer business should allow Arteta to name a formidable lineup, which could look something like this:

Raya  
Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori  
Zubimendi, Rice, Eze  
Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

On paper, this lineup should school Burnley. It’s a lineup capable of securing another win, another clean sheet, and, crucially, helping Arsenal tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League table.