Arsenal hosts Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League later today. Here is how to watch the game, TV channel, live stream details, highlights, and early team news.
Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso.
Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso.(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal hosts Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in a huge Premier League clash between potential title contenders — and two childhood friends in Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso.
So far this season, both sides have a 100 per cent record. Arsenal has beaten Coventry and Aston Villa without conceding a goal, while Chelsea has won by the odd goal in two entertaining encounters: 3-2 at Fulham, and then 4-3 against Brighton.
Heading into Sunday's games, only Manchester City and Hull are ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League standings. For either team, a win in this fixture would feel like an early statement about where their campaigns could be heading.
In the UK, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports and can be streamed via its online services. In the US, it will be screened by NBC Sports.
Arsenal is currently without William Saliba because of an injury, while Jurrien Timber, Cristian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes have all been sidelined with knocks recently. Ezri Konsa could make his debut.
Former Liverpool man Jordan Henderson is still absent for Chelsea due to the injury he sustained at the World Cup. Moises Caicedo has been managing a minor issue, while new signing Marco Palestra is out at the moment too.
Rio Ngumoha celebrates with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones
Rio Ngumoha celebrates with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones
"I spoke to him before (he joined Chelsea)," Arteta said when he was asked about his relationship with Alonso in his pre-match press conference.
"But yes, really happy for him, as I said. It's incredible because obviously we have the history that we have together, the same with Andoni [Iraola].
"To be facing each other in such a level and with the responsibility we have managing some of the top clubs in the country is a really beautiful thing to experience.
"Now it would be tougher to meet (up with Alonso) because of the schedule that we both have. But of course that relationship goes on for many, many years.
"We shared some great moments together. That's natural, but now it's the competition and when you face each other you know what happens."
Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, looks on before the Premier League match against Fulham
Xabi Alonso is the current manager of Chelsea(Image: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Image)
Alonso, meanwhile, was asked about his midfield options after the departure of Enzo Fernandez is a record-equaling transfer to Manchester City (at $169 million/£125 million — the same fee Liverpool paid for Alexander Isak).
"We have different qualities and personalities," Alonso said. "Players like Valentin Barco — he's young but has come with great energy.
"We have Hendo who has the composure, the mentality. He knows what's going on in the game, and he's getting closer and closer to playing time.
"And with Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Reece James, Malo Gusto can play there, Reggie Watson as well, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli from the academy — we have options. We need to have the right balance and within that we have quality and competitiveness for all the season and to face each opponent."