Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Sunday as they make the short trip across London to face off with rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It's the Gunners' penultimate league game before their break for the World Cup, which they will be hoping will see them top of the league over that period.
Two wins from their final two would see them achieve just that, setting a marker for where they will hope to pick up in late December with a huge title push. The Blues will prove a tough challenge and a test of those credentials before the break, with new boss Graham Potter keeping them moving along.
"They’ve been really consistent," Mikel Arteta said on his opponents after Thursday's win over FC Zurich in the Europa League. "The results that they’ve had recently since Graham took over you can see what he’s trying to do and we will be ready and will start to prepare for the game from tonight."
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While it is set to be a huge test, the home side are set to miss a number of huge players due to injury for the clash, with Potter facing a crisis. As many as seven players could be out for Chelsea, with the Blues boss strained for options to choose from for his team selection.
While he will still be able to put out a strong first-team, the introduction of five substitutions could come as the key boost to Arsenal. Arteta's men could afford to come out of the blocks swiftly with their intense high-pressing game as they would have more options coming off the bench to impact the game, be it to hold onto a lead or gain one.
With the Gunners having players returning from injuries, it could prove to be an even bigger boost as the schedule nears its end before the World Cup.
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