Arsenal vs Chelsea is live in 178 countries on December 26, 2020: here's how to watch it

December 26, 2020 By Ali M.

Topics: TV SCHEDULES, ARSENAL, CHELSEA, ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

The Gunners look to end their seven-game winless run when they host the Blues. Can they register their first league win since November 1? Here’s our preview of Arsenal vs Chelsea.

Preview – Arsenal vs Chelsea

Another day, another must-win game for Arsenal. However, unlike their clashes with Burnley and Southampton where the Gunners were expected to win due to their status as a bigger club, the same cannot be said about their upcoming fixture. This is because the north London giants are gearing up to face Chelsea, a team that has enjoyed tremendous success this century and a club that just happens to be outperforming Arsenal.

Of course, given the form of Arteta's side, we can say that about many clubs. Aubameyang and Co. find themselves only four points above the relegation zone, having won only four while losing eight of their opening 14 games of the season. This has left everyone concerned regarding the club status in the Premier League, with many worrying the Gunners could go down.

They are winless from their last seven Premier League games and have only triumphed twice in their last 12 fixtures. This is a far-cry from the form and promise they exhibited early on in Arteta's reign. As a result, fans are calling for the Spanish tactician to be sacked.

However, the club are not ready for another managerial change, yet alone one in the middle of the season, and are thus more in favor of sticking by the Spaniard and weathering the storm. Victory over Chelsea could help them turn a corner but there is little to suggest they can even beat the Blues.

Lampard's men have been excellent this season and would have been toe-to-toe with league leaders had they not suffered back-to-back defeats against first Everton then Wolves. The London giants have bounced back, beating West Ham but find themselves six points behind Jurgen Klopp's side.

Regardless, Werner and Co. can easily catch up with the defending champions but they must iron out a few issues in defense and in attack. Despite spending big to recruit Timo and Havertz, neither have consistently impressed so far this season. This is a concern for Frank as they are two of the most talented players in the squad. Both could get minutes against Arsenal and should fancy their odds given the Gunners' struggles this season.

Team news

Arsenal: Aubameyang will undergo a late test to determine his fitness, having missed the last two games due to a calf injury. Thomas Partey remains sidelined due to his thigh injury but Granit Xhaka is back and could return to the lineup after seeing out his three-game suspension. Gabriel Martinelli should be fit for this tie despite limping off the pitch in the recent defeat to Man City while fellow youngster Emile Smith Rowe will be hoping for a start after a short but bright cameo in that Carabao Cup loss.

Chelsea: Chilwell and James are doubtful but will undergo late tests to determine whether they can play or not after picking up ankle and knee issues, respectively. Hakim Ziyech has not returned yet and will thus sit this one out.

Key stats

If Arsenal lose, it will be the first time since 2008 that they have suffered back-to-back home defeats vs Chelsea.
The Blues have only lost twice in their last 17 Premier League encounters with the Gunners (W9, D6).
The Gunners haven't suffered a defeat on Boxing Day since going down 2-0 against Nottingham Forest in 1987, an unbeaten run of 12 matches.
The north London giants could go eight games without a win should they fail to beat their London rivals. Only once has this happened in their entire history and that was between November 1992 and January 1993.