After dropping points at home in games versus Burnley and Leeds United, Chelsea could really do with a win against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
However, that is not going to be an easy task for Liam Rosenior’s side, who have already lost twice to the Gunners this season.
With that in mind, here are the three individual battles that Chelsea will need to win at the Emirates if they are to have any chance of claiming all three points.
No Enzo Fernandez in our Starting XI!
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Joao Pedro vs Gabriel
In the end, Gabriel and William Saliba had the last laugh after their battle against Joao Pedro in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Arsenal won 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate, but Pedro did trouble their two centre-backs, especially Gabriel.
Pedro held up the ball extremely well, resulting in Gabriel often having to foul his compatriot to dispossess him.
If Pedro can do the same thing again and get Cole Palmer involved — with the attacking midfielder only playing half an hour last time — Chelsea could have a goal or two in them. Last summer, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara described Pedro as “special”, and he has been of late.
Gabriel of Arsenal and Joao Pedro of Chelsea
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo vs Declan Rice
In Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, you are probably looking at the two best midfielders in the Premier League.
Caicedo shields Chelsea’s defence, while Rice often gets forward to support Arsenal’s attack these days. It means the two are going to clash in very significant areas of the pitch.
If Rice gets the better of Caicedo, you would have to fear for Chelsea’s engine room and backline.
START, BENCH, SELL: Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Reece James
Chelsea's top three players, but you can only start one! This should be interesting 👀
Cole Palmer of Chelsea (L) celebrates scoring
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Bukayo Saka vs Chelsea’s left-back
Marc Cucurella will miss the trip to the Emirates, so it is not quite clear who will play at left-back. It could be Jorrel Hato; it could be Malo Gusto. Whoever it is will have to go up against Bukayo Saka.
Saka is one of the best wide men in the division, but Cucurella has given him some really tough games in the past.
With the Spain international unavailable, Saka could get a lot of joy down Chelsea’s left flank and ultimately win Arsenal the match. Hato or Gusto, depending on whichever one starts, will need to be at their best. That potential battle and the above will define Sunday’s London derby.
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