Arsenal sit top of the Premier League by only goal difference heading into the weekend, with consecutive draws against Liverpool and Stoke City having halted their charge and allowed Leicester City and Manchester City to stay within touching distance. The Gunners will look to get back to thier winning ways at the Emirates on Saturday when they play host to struggling defending champions Chelsea.
Arsenal vs. Chelsea 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news
Premier League title contenders Arsenal will look to get back to their winning ways at home to struggling Chelsea on Sunday.
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A big improvement was anticipated after the Blues sacked the seemingly toxic José Mourinho, but interim manager Guus Hiddink has so far failed to deliver the requisite improvement. Chelsea have drawn four of their last five league games, with the only win in that spell coming away at Crystal Palace at the start of the month. They're still down in 14th place, and it's looking increasingly likely that they'll be playing no European football next season for the first time in almost two decades.
Key player: Mesut Özil (Arsenal)
Arsenal will be desperately hoping star midfielder Mesut Özil recovers from a slight foot injury in time to play this match. It has taken a while, but the German is finally delivering the kind of world class performances the Gunners expected after signing him from Real Madrid in 2013. He sits comfortably atop the Premier League's assist charts, and without him the likes of Olivier Giroud would surely have struggled for goals. He's the key cog in Arsenal's attack, and the man Chelsea will have to try and keep quiet.
Recent history
With the exception of Arsenal’s win in the meaningless Community Shield in the summer, Chelsea have had the better of recent clashes between these teams. They won 2-0 when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in September, and haven’t lost to Arsenal in over four years. That said, they’ve not won at the Emirates in the league since 2012, though it’s clear that recent history gives them the edge.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Tomáš Rosický, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin (knee); Jack Wilshere (ankle). In doubt: Alexis Sánchez (hamstring); Mesut Özil (foot).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Radamel Falcao (thigh). In doubt: Eden Hazard (groin); Diego Costa (shin).
Arsenal still have a fairly lengthy injury list, though they will hope to have star attackers Sánchez and Özil both back after injuries. Chelsea too are waiting on the fitness of two of their top forwards: Hazard and Costa are both expected to be involved. The Blues’ only confirmed absentee is striker Falcao.
Match date/time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: NBCSN (US -- English); Telemundo (US -- Spanish); Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US -- English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US -- Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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