Arsenal's 11th game across two different competitions in just over a month is almost upon us - and it's a big one.
The Gunners, who have beaten Tottenham Hotspur, FK Bodo/Glimt (twice), Liverpool, Leeds United, PSV Eindhoven, Nottingham Forest and FC Zurich during this hectic period, will now see their Premier League title credentials put to the test once again as they face Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
What should fill Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with some confidence is his side's recent record at Stamford Bridge. Unbeaten on their last three visits - including winning the last two - the Spaniard will be looking to keep the streak intact on what is the penultimate weekend of action from the Premier League before the World Cup break.
READ MORE: Inside story of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal exit, Mikel Arteta fall out and Chelsea move
Whilst this fixture comes a day after Bonfire night and kicks off at 12pm, one can still expect fireworks given the history between the two sides. In addition, with former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang available for Chelsea, the prospect of the striker haunting or being kept quiet by his old teammates adds even more intrigue.
Just like with any game, Arteta has some big decisions to make regarding his team selection. Not for the first time this season, the main topic of discussion is who gets the nod at left-back as Oleksandr Zinchenko is once again an option alongside Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The fact that the latter - on his 24th birthday - was not spotted in training at London Colney on Saturday after limping out of the 1-0 win over Zurich on Thursday night could make the Gunners manager's decision easier or more difficult as he's been the first-choice left-back in Zinchenko's absence.
Thankfully for Arteta, football.london's Arsenal writers Tom Canton and Tashan Deniran-Alleyne as well as Arsenal Content Editor Sam Truelove are on hand to offer their assistance. Below, they take a look at who they think should be starting for the visitors in Sunday afternoon's clash against Chelsea.
Tom Canton - Arsenal Writer
It was only a matter of time until another player fell foul of injury and with Takehiro Tomiyasu seemingly out isn’t it great to see Kieran Tierney thrive so much against FC Zurich? He comes into this team against Chelsea after showcasing his talents both offensively and defensively.
The rest of the team really picks itself and has no surprises whatsoever. This is a very good thing when you consider that our opponents are trying to work out who on Earth they should play in defence, in midfield and in the front line.
Even goalkeeper is a discussion this season for Chelsea, and it shows the polar opposites of where both clubs sit. Gabriel Martinelli should have a field day against Cesar Azpilicueta and potentially with Tierney in support and the presence of Granit Xhaka it could be a riot.
Bukayo Saka’s return from his injury scare is a blessing and he will be rested having barely run against FC Zurich on Thursday. Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge as favourites and with good reason… and it feels good.
Canton's Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
I guess the big question is how fit is Oleksandr Zinchenko? Mikel Arteta mentioned in his pre-Zurich press conference that the versatile defender had only trained with the team a couple of times since recovering from the calf injury that kept him on the sidelines for weeks.
Taking into consideration that he didn't come off the bench on Thursday night may hint that he's not quite ready to start and if that's the case I'd be happy for Kieran Tierney to get the nod and there's no need to risk Takehiro Tomiyasu especially if he's not fully fit either.
With Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes completing the back four in front of Aaron Ramsdale, the rest of the team picks itself. Granit Xhaka should be well rested after being suspended in midweek to reclaim his place in the midfield three alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard.
After scoring twice in this fixture last season, there is a strong case for Eddie Nketiah to get a surprise start especially as Gabriel Jesus is having a tough time in front of goal at the moment. However, the Brazilian's recent overall performances justify his inclusion right from the get-go.
Deniran-Alleyne's Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, G. Jesus, Martinelli
Sam Truelove - Arsenal Content Editor
Arsenal have a chance to make a huge statement at Stamford Bridge. Mikel Arteta's side have already beaten Tottenham and Liverpool this season, but a win against Chelsea would confirm the Gunners as genuine title contenders along with Manchester City.
For this reason, Arteta has to play Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian was bought for occasions such as this and must start if he is fit.
Kieran Tierney would be unfortunate to miss out following his heroics against FC Zurich in midweek but Zinchenko is a class above the Scotsman. The fact he was named on the bench for the Europa League tie hints he could be available from the off.
The rest of the team picks itself at the moment, even though Gabriel Jesus has now gone eight games without a goal. On another day Eddie Nketiah could have been handed a start and given the opportunity to repeat his heroics from last season, but the 23-year-old has failed to take his chances and should settle for a place on the bench.
Truelove's Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
READ NEXT:
Mohamed Elneny says Arsenal dressing room has no 'big egos’ and reflects on Aubameyang departure
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's four-word Chelsea call out
The six Chelsea players Graham Potter will be without for Premier League clash against Arsenal
'Swap deal for De Jong!' - Arsenal's first January transfer decided after what Sambi Lokonga did
Mudryk or Zaha sign, Tielemans agreement - transfers Arsenal must complete in January window
