Chamberlain Out, Paulista Starts, Arsenal’s Likely Line Up For Chelsea Clash

London club Arsenal will be looking to bounce back to winning ways ahead of their North London derby clash on Saturday after suffering a shock defeat in their Champions League match at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb. The first-team players rested by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger should make their return to the side for the Premier League clash with Chelsea.

In terms of Premier League momentum, Arsenal have the edge over Chelsea. The Blues have lost their last two matches to Everton and Crystal Palace respectively in the Premier League while Arsenal have won their last two matches against Newcastle and Stoke City. The Gunners are currently six points ahead of Chelsea on the Premier League table and a loss to Chelsea will see Arsenal go nine points clear of them.

Nevertheless, in terms of Squad news ahead of the Chelsea clash,  the duo of Monreal and Bellerin should fill up the full-back positions with veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech expected to replace David Ospina in goal. With Mertesacker still out injured, Arsene Wenger seems likely to continue with his pairing of Gabriel and Koscieny at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Both Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey who were rested midweek will be returning back to their usual positions as they replace Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the starting line-up respectively. While English International Theo Walcott will probably get the nod from Arsene Wenger ahead of Oliver Giroud.