Arsenal vs Chelsea: Can Ethan Nwaneri Create History in London Derby? Mikel Arteta to make Key Defensive Change?

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Arsenal and Chelsea are set to face off in a highly anticipated London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal currently sits six points above Chelsea in the Premier League standings, aiming to solidify their position in the top four. Chelsea, under new management, seeks a statement victory to bolster their European ambitions.

Recent form favors Arsenal, who have remained unbeaten in their last six league matches against Chelsea, securing four wins and two draws. Their defensive solidity has been notable, with the team keeping a division-high four clean sheets and conceding only six goals across the opening eight rounds.

Chelsea, meanwhile, has shown signs of resurgence, achieving back-to-back multiple-goal margin victories in recent fixtures. However, they face a challenging task, having been on the losing end in five of their last six Premier League meetings with the Gunners.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Ethan Nwaneri can make History

Arsenal's 17-year-old forward, Ethan Nwaneri, stands on the brink of making history. Should he score in this derby, he would become the first player under 18 to net a goal in a Premier League London derby. Nwaneri has been in impressive form this season, with eight goals and one assist in 28 appearances.

His potential inclusion in the starting lineup underscores the manager’s confidence in the young talent. The youngster was overlooked by Gareth Southgate for an England call-up bu the Gunners player would be aiming to continue his impressive run in the season.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Will Mikel Arteta make any changes?

With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the centre of defence, Arteta may need to adjust his defensive wing positions to maintain stability at the back. Ben White and Jurrien Timber both are options at right-back but the latter is likely to start. Thomas Partey and Declan Rice to ensure control in the center of the park. Gabriel Martinelli, returning from injury, is expected to start and could operate as the central striker.