Arsenal are preparing to head to Stamford Bridge on match day 11 in a must-win Premier League clash.
Mikel Arteta’s side are winless in their previous three league fixtures, emphasising the need to come out on top against Chelsea.
Aside from the game being a London derby, the Gunners will be aiming for victory with a thought to the title race.
After Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa, Arsenal dropped to 10 points below the summit, reducing the room for error if Arteta wants to deliver the title in May.
- READ MORE: Chelsea vs Arsenal: How to watch, live stream details, team news, injury updates and more
Ben White has a crucial role to play against Chelsea
After a rocky few weeks, Arteta will be relieved to have captain Martin Odegaard back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Norwegian starred the last time Arsenal and Chelsea met in the league, recording two assists and a remarkable eight key passes during the Gunners’ 5-0 win, via Sofascore.
While Odegaard’s return will be welcomed, another one of Arteta’s best will have a crucial role to play against the Blues.
On the right side of defence, Ben White could have his work cut out with Chelsea’s pace on the counter, as Enzo Maresca has found joy utilising Pedro Neto on the left.
Fusing the Portugal international’s pace and power with Reece James’ similar strengths makes for a possibly decisive battle on the flank, emphasising White’s need to channel his inner ‘monster’.
Not only will the £50m Englishman have to be at his very best defensively to limit Chelsea’s threat, but also to ensure that Bukayo Saka has the space to trouble the opposition without having to put a shift in defensively.
The winger is gifted enough to be able to provide defensive support however, handing the 23-year-old the keys to remain forward could be White’s secret weapon to winning Arsenal the game.
London derby win is crucial for Arsenal
White’s performance will be crucial, as will that of every player on the pitch, as the Gunners prepare to battle Chelsea in form.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 18 |
| 6 |  ArsenalArsenal | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 18 |
| 7 |  FulhamFulham | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 3 | 18 |
| 8 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 11 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 18 |
| 9 |  TottenhamTottenham | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
| 10 |  BrentfordBrentford | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 16 |
Maresca has identified a long overdue balance at Stamford Bridge, giving Arsenal a challenge against their rivals that hasn’t been traceable for some time.
The stakes are high for both sides who are level on points, with the visitors needing to rediscover form quickly if they are to remain as contenders for the title.
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