Nine ex-Arsenal players who could haunt Mikel Arteta in December Premier League and Champions League clashes

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s December fixture list is filled with tough clashes, difficult duels and more than a fair share of challenging ties in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

The Gunners will be looking to move a step closer to the top of the table in some of their league matches, while domestic cup action calls for a place in the latter rounds.

In Europe, Mikel Arteta has his team in a decent position, but knows that only a string of wins can secure that top-eight finish and a place in the round of 16.

With Arsenal fighting on all the fronts with the Premier League, Carabao Cup and Champions League, there are bound to be some difficult encounters.

That includes against some former players, with plenty of them set for a run-in over the next couple of weeks.

So with that said, here’s a look at those stars who could be looking to ruin the day against the Gunners.

• READ MORE: Bukayo Saka can win the Ballon d’Or with one key change, claims Arsenal teammate

Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno return

Arsenal take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in early December, with the west London outfit having more than a hint of London Colney about it.

Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno all play for the Cottagers, having cemented their place in the team after leaving the Emirates Stadium.

Winger Reiss Nelson is also on loan at the side, though he cannot play against his parent club and won’t feature.

Fulham have been in the upper-mid-table region of the league so far and will be looking to push for a European spot with all the flair and danger they possess alongside the steely backline.

Folarin Balogun to face Arsenal

Making his return to the Emirates Stadium is Hale End academy graduate Folarin Balogun, who is currently at Monaco.

Arsenal face off with the French side in Champions League action in mid-December, with intentions of haunting his old side.

Balogun impressed through the academy and eventually on loan with Reims before he made the permanent move to Monaco.

So far this season, the striker has three goals and one assist from ten appearances across all competitions.

• READ MORE: Bukayo Saka’s bizarre nickname revealed as Arsenal squad ‘joke’ explained

Eddie Nketiah, Eberechi Eze, Rob Holding and Matt Turner feature

Don’t do a double take at that fixture schedule, Arsenal really do play Crystal Palace twice in a week during December.

In one home game and one away game, the two teams will get very used to seeing each other, though there are already plenty of familiar faces.

Eddie Nketiah is one of those, with the striker having left in the summer to join up with the Eagles as a regular starter.

Matt Turner and Rob Holding both left the club a couple of years ago, though the duo are unlikely to line-up against their old team.

Star player Eberechi Eze was released from the Arsenal academy as a youngster, but could be set to haunt his old side.

Harry Clarke’s Arsenal return

The final ex-player making their return to face off with Arsenal before the New Year is Ipswich Town’s Harry Clarke.

The defender joined the Gunners from the Tractor Boys in the youth ranks, where he went on loan spells before joining up with his boyhood club once again.