Arsenal at Chelsea Premier League preview: Defining moments

On the heels of two definitive tests of their credentials, Arsenal head to west London for a third major tie in as many match days when they take on Chelsea on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League with title-race positioning on the line.

There were questions about Arsenal that they have emphatically answered coming out of the international break. Can they maintain their level despite injuries? Do they have the minerals? Are they who we think they are? Check, check, and check. The Gunners came out of the break looking confident and controlled in two blockbuster matches, smashing Spurs 4-1 at the Emirates before putting in their most impressive performance of the season as they saw off Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League league phase at home midweek.

Both matches were juxtaposed against heavy narratives, and Sunday’s is no different. Chelsea have re-emerged from a half-decade of mediocrity and look like they may have finally sorted themselves out. 1st faces 2nd place for a title-race defining London derby. A win puts the Gunners 9 points clear of the Blues and with considerable breathing room. A loss closes the gap to three and invites all of the usual criticisms. It’s a third successive opportunity for Arsenal to stamp their intentions on the season against a historically hated opponent.

After two emotionally and physically trying matches, can the Gunners channel their best efforts once more against another major rival and make it a perfect three-for-three against not just the opponents, but also the narrative, ahead of December’s daunting gauntlet?

Here are three talking points ahead of Sunday’s match:

Know the Enemy

After several seasons of rudderless campaigns, could Chelsea possibly, just maybe, be back?

In Enzo Maresca’s second season as manager, they find themselves behind Arsenal in 2nd place on 23 points in the PL and sit 7th in the Champions League table after a sound thrashing of Barcelona on Tuesday. They haven’t lost in a month, and their last three victories saw them secure clean sheets in the process. Not bad for a financial institution with a footballing problem.

Riding a front-footed possession-based approach, they have gotten there thanks to their attack. They lead or are near the top of several attacking categories in the PL, including having the highest xG (20.75) and shots on target (62), 2nd most goals scored (21) and set piece goals scored (8), and 3rd most shots taken (158). They are roughly where the data predicts they should be, give or take a few minor points.

In some ways, they are very much Arsenal from three seasons ago. Following several tumultuous And wasteful transfer windows, they are the youngest side in the PL (average squad age of 23.6 years old) and have stocked the cupboard with young talent with high ceilings instead of deploying a platoon of older, more established big names. Esêvão is beginning to live up to his billing as the next young Brazilian attacking phenom, and they only rely on a handful of established players over the age of 25 like Pedro Neto, Reece James, and Marc Cucurella. Their best player so far this season has probably been midfielder Moises Caicedo, which is saying something considering they still employ Cole Palmer.

Like 22/23 Arsenal, they have been good, but inconsistent. Three weeks ago, they traveled to face FK Qarabag in the CL and left with a draw. A stoppage-time loss to Sunderland at home last month, as well as a loss to Brighton at home and a draw at Brentford in September were sobering reminders of the distance they still need to go to re-establish themselves as a consistently top side.

To hear their fanbase tell it, they aren’t contenders yet. Despite their recent run, there is apprehension to place any expectation on them. The season is nearly halfway over, and the December fixture list has a way of separating those in the hunt from the also-rans. If they can find a way to break their winless drought against the Gunners, does it become time to start taking them seriously as title contenders?

Injuries & Suspensions

Whoever decided that the Gunners needed a “one in, one out” policy for injuries is a cruel and twisted soul. After a trio of players returned to action for the Gunners this week, Leandro Trossard picked up a knock against Bayern that saw the winger subbed off in the first half. According to Arteta, he “felt something” and came off as a precaution, and the gaffer’s comments on Friday seem to indicate that it isn’t anything serious. Still, it always stings when an in-form player hits a setback.

The Gunners are reportedly played a midweek, behind-closed-doors friendly with Manchester United so players like Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Martin Ødegaard can get their match fitness back up. Hopefully, one of the strikers finds their way onto at least the bench on Sunday.

Chelsea will potentially miss up to 3 names on Sunday, with Levi Colwill out for the season (ACL) and Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer both looking to be fit by Sunday.

OUT: Gabriel Jesus (ACL), Kai Havertz (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Viktor Gyökeres

Predicted Lineup

Attack: Martinelli, Merino, Saka

Trossard’s injury opens up the door for the resurgence of Gabriel Martinelli, who scored a quintessential Martinelli goal when he came on against Bayern as a second half substitute. Noni Madueke, who returned from a knee injury against Spurs, is a shout for the left wing spot as well, but he plays much better off the right. Against his former club, Noni could get the nod after opening his account midweek. Either are fine options.

Midfield: Rice, Zubimendi, Eze

You simply don’t mess with a good thing. The trio that has anchored Arsenal’s midfield for the past several match weeks returns again after a dominant display on Wednesday. Martin Ødegaard got a 15 minute cameo after nearly two months away with injury, but he still needs a little more fitness to be ready for a start.

Defense: Calafiori, Hincapie, Saliba, Timber

Riccardo Calafiori wasted no time making an impact in the attack when he came on in the second half, assisting Noni’s game-winning goal. But he also looked sharp in defense, shepherding Michael Olise well. He reclaims his spot on the left. Piero Hincapie was an unused sub and looked strong against Spurs in his first start last weekend. Either he or Cristhian Mosquera, who played a full 90 against Bayern, start at LCB.

Keeper: Raya

David Raya hasn’t held a clean sheet in three matches, but A) the Gunners haven’t lost any of them and B) he has done little wrong in the process that would see his spot in jeopardy. There still isn’t anyone you’d want in the goal in a big game more than him.

It’s been a brilliant week for Arsenal. It would be nice to make it just that little bit more immaculate on Sunday. Mikel Arteta has an excellent record against the Blues with the Gunners unbeaten against them for 7 straight matches, but a win this weekend would probably be the most meaningful of the lot. Chelsea’s dominance during Arsenal’s slow and painful decline 20 years ago was a bitter pill to swallow. The Gunners appear to be nearing the cusp of something great, and a win on the road at a hated rival to cap off a huge week could be another statement of intent in a season that has already had quite a few of them.

WHO: Arsenal at ChelseaWHAT: Premier League match day 13WHEN: Sunday, November 30th, 11:30am EST/8:30am PST/4:30pm GMTWHERE: Stamford Bridge, LondonHOW TO WATCH: Broadcast live on the USA Network and Telemundo, streaming on NBCSports.com

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