The return of the English Premier League- after a two-week international break- could see Arsenal go top of the table for at least 48 hours on Saturday when they face off against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners went into this break level on points (20) and goal difference (+10) with table leaders Tottenham, but the fact that their North London rivals have scored two goals more, Arsenal occupy the second position in the league heading into the encounter.
But with Spurs out of action untill Monday, Arsenal can go top of the table for the first time this season if they manage to pick all the three points from the Bridge.
Mikel Arteta’s team go into this game in fine form. Not only do they remain one of the only two sides in the league yet to lose a game this term, they boast a perfect away record this term having won all their games on the road and maintaining a clean sheet in each one of them.
Chelsea appear to have recovered from their frustrating start to the campaign having strung together three consecutive wins in all competitions, but the Gunners’ recent run at Stamford Bridge doesn’t make a good reading for the hosts.
Arsenal have won each of their last three Premier League games away to Chelsea, and their 3-1 win at Emirates in May made it six wins from their last seven games against the Blues.
That said, Mauricio Pochettino’s team seems to have found their winning mojo, and that’s majorly thanks to the form of Raheem Sterling.
The England international who has been overlooked by the England manager Gareth Southgate for the last two international breaks has been pivotal in Chelsea’s recent resurgence.
The Blues’ last game before the international break was a win that was masterminded by the former Manchester City winger.
Chelsea scored four as they came from behind to beat Burnley 4-1. Sterling was involved in each of those goals.
Chelsea faithful will hope Sterling keeps the fire burning, and they will also hope their team fires from all cylinders as they host their London rivals.
But they will have to do that without the services of Wesley Fofana (knee), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Ben Chilwell (thigh), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) who are all injured.
Pochettino will hope Nicolas Jackson who scored the fourth goal against Burley and team captain Reece James who returned to training after battling an injury will be fit for contention.
On the other hand, Arsenal will hope Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard are fit enough to be utilized. Saka was not named during Arsenal’s famous win against Man City, and didn’t play for England after being reported injured.
Trossard was withdrawn against Man City at halftime due to an hamstring injury while Saliba didn’t kick a ball for his national team France during the break.
