Arsenal travel to a resurgent Chelsea who have just found form after a run of four straight wins in all competitions.
The champions host the Gunners having celebrated home victories over Qarabag and Everton after the shock 3-2 defeat to Burnley in their own backyard. The red side of London will feel a little more optimistic going into the clash having recorded an impressive 3-0 win against Bournemouth, though knowing that the 4-0 hammering at Anfield suggests old problems lie in that frail defence.
Chelsea’s summer signings have made an instant impact; Alvaro Morata has been amongst the goals with three in the Premier League so far, whilst Tiemoue Bakayoko and Antonio Rudiger have filled in seamlessly when called upon.
Davide Zappacosta announced his arrival to the Stamford Bridge faithful with a goal of real quality showing pace, skill and awareness (though perhaps there was a bit of luck to it). The ease at which the new signings are settling down are helping Chelsea produce the kind of performances fans were spoiled regularly with last season.
Arsenal go into the game with mixed emotions. Undoubtedly gutted to be watching the Champions League rather than playing in it, Arsene Wenger’s men will have to make the most of their Europa League games even if it does mean a day less of preparation - something Wenger says won’t affect his side.
Despite the doom and gloom of Deadline Day and two early league defeats, Arsenal have found a few things to smile about. Alexis Sanchez has pledged to give his all to Arsenal, according to the Gunners' manager, whilst Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil have found form on the back of the arrival of clinical French striker Alexandre Lacazette - who is already justifying the £52m Arsenal splashed out on him in the summer.
Arsenal will take great encouragement from their performances in their last two competitive games against Chelsea, boasting a 2-1 FA Cup final win and a Community Shield triumph as well. However, their 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in February was just one in a long list of defeats at the home of the Blues which stretches back to their 5-3 victory in 2011.
Here’s everything you need to know for the heavyweight clash in the capital…
When is the match?
The game kicks off at 1:30pm on Sunday September 17.
How can I watch it?
The game is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 12:30pm.
Web and mobile users can also stream the match live via the website or app, or you can follow all the action via Mirror Football’s live blog.
Team News
Chelsea
Antonio Conte’s rotation experiment worked wonders on Tuesday night though Chelsea are expected to revert to type for the big clash. An impressive full debut for Davide Zappacosta is unlikely to result in another start on Sunday as Victor Moses comes back into contention for the derby.
Eden Hazard, just back from injury, and Cesc Fabregas are also unlikely to start, though Tiemoue Bakayoko is expected to play having missed the last time these two sides met due to injury. Gary Cahill is also back in contention after serving a three-match suspension.
Arsenal
Arsene Wenger is expected to bring Alexis Sanchez into the team at the expense of one of his in-form forwards with Danny Welbeck expected to drop to the bench. Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac are also expected to start despite playing in the Europa League on Thursday night. Jack Wishere may also be involved - most likely from the bench.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea : Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Pedro.
Arsenal : Cech; Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal; Bellerin, Ramsey, Xhaka, Kolasinac; Özil, Lacazette, Sanchez.
Betting Odds
Chelsea: 3/4
Draw: 29/10
Arsenal: 7/2