Frank Lampard will greet former foe Mikel Arteta at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with his Chelsea team hoping to overcome Arsenal for the third consecutive encounter in Week 24.
The Gunners surrendered late in a bitter 2-1 loss at home to Chelsea in December, and the Blues return home midweek chasing a third straight victory at the Bridge in all competitions.
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Chelsea vs. Arsenal
- When: Tuesday, January 21
- Time: 3:15 p.m. ET
- TV: NBCSN
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
This maiden meeting between Lampard and Arteta pits two derby giants struggling for consistency against one another in a test that’s likely to have big ramifications on the race for European qualification. Chelsea lies in fourth and boasts a five-point cushion over their nearest threat, Manchester United, while the Gunners sit 10 points below in 10th place and have won twice in their last 15 league games.
Arsenal makes the short trip to west London after drawing its last two games, buckling late at home to Sheffield United on Saturday when the Blades will argue they deserved the 1-1 result.
Jorginho and Tammy Abraham each struck in the final seven minutes at the Emirates Stadium three weeks ago to devastate the host, who had led since the 13th minute following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s breakthrough.
Arsenal’s captain is suspended for the midweek matchup, and Gabriel Martinelli looks ready to again be in attack mode after he scored his second goal in four Premier League starts against Sheffield. Meanwhile, Lampard said in a press conference that star Christian Pulisic will be out for a few weeks.
Emerging right-back star Reece James is in doubt for the home fixture after he limped off in the 75th minute at St. James’ Park. Marcos Alonso is nearing fitness and could beat Emerson to the left-back slot, with Cesar Azpilicueta likely to return at right-back if James misses out. Sead Kolasinac and Reiss Nelson will miss the clash with thigh and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos could return in central defense after missing Saturday’s draw due to illness, while Kieran Tierney and Calum Chambers remain sidelined.
Chelsea has defeated Arsenal in seven of its last eight Premier League meetings and Lampard will seek to prove himself as the managerial prodigy of the new class.
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