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In a key 2020-21 Premier League game, in-form Chelsea will take on city rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The two teams have been in decent form lately. Chelsea have won four of their last five matches, while Arsenal have triumphed in three of their last five.
In their last meeting, Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1, thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka. Tammy Abraham scored a late consolation goal for the visitors on the night.
However, things have looked quite different since then, as Chelsea have improved under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. They are in contention to win the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup and have virtually sealed a top-4 spot in the league.
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On the other hand, Arsenal find themselves languishing in ninth place in the league and were eliminated by Villareal in the Europa League semi-finals.
Nevertheless, with the stage set for an enthralling clash between the two London rivals, let's take a look at five player battles that could be key when Chelsea lock horns with Arsenal on Wednesday.
#1 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) vs Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Mikel Arteta is expected to start the game in a 4-2-3-1 formation. That could see a tantalising battle between Arsenal left-winger Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Chelsea's right centre-half Cesar Azpilicueta.
Aubameyang has not been at his usual best in the 2020-21 campaign, scoring just ten goals in 26 outings. The Gabonese international managed to amass 22 goals in both of his last two seasons but has struggled for form this season.
Aubameyang will have to contend with Azpilicueta, who has looked comfortable as the right-sided centre-back in Chelsea's back-three.
Aubameyang did get the better of the Spaniard in last season's FA Cup final, troubling Azpilicueta with his pace and trickery. However, the former Borussia Dortmund has not looked sharp lately, which could make for a far even matchup this time.
#2 Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) vs Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
After missing the Manchester City game on Saturday, Kai Havertz is expected to be reinstated into Chelsea's starting lineup against Arsenal. Havertz had an unceremonious start to life in the Premier League but has found his footing under Thomas Tuchel.
Against Arsenal, he'll likely face off against Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, who is also in his first season in the Premier League. The former Lille player's form has wavered throughout the campaign, but he will look to end his season on a strong note with a solid performance against Chelsea.
Havertz's combination of size and guile has the potential to trouble Gabriel, making this a box -office clash between two skilful players.
Also Read: Sampdoria vs Spezia prediction, preview, team news, and more | Serie A 2020-21.
#3 Thiago Silva (Chelsea) vs Alexandre Lacazette (Arsenal)
Thiago Silva has been a central part of Thomas Tuchel's plans at Chelsea, as the German tactician has played the Brazilian at the heart of defence. Silva has repaid his manager's trust, putting in some brilliant performances throughout the season.
Silva is expected to go up against Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette, who is likely to play centre-forward for Arsenal on Wednesday. The Frenchman is Arsenal's top scorer this season, with 13 goals while also providing two assists.
Thiago Silva has largely been consistent for Chelsea, but it would be intriguing to see how he fares against Lacazette.
#4 Jorginho (Chelsea) vs Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
The Chelsea vs Arsenal game will see the midfield maestros of the two teams, Jorginho and Thomas Partey, lock horns in the middle of the pitch.
Jorginho has produced some steady performances since Tuchel has taken over, first in the company of Mateo Kovacic and then with N'Golo Kante. He has played the role of a metronome with relative ease, spreading the ball around the park with elan.
Meanwhile, Partey has acted as an all-action midfielder for Arteta, sweeping things at the back and progressing with the ball to initiate attacks for Arsenal. The game could be decided by how the two central midfielders fare on the day, making their duel a must-watch battle.
#5 Ben Chilwell (Chelsea) vs Calum Chambers (Arsenal)
Few expected Ben Chilwell to win back his place following Marcos Alonso's strong performances in the initial days of Thomas Tuchel's reign at Chelsea. However, Chilwell has bounced back in style, becoming an integral player for the German tactician.
Chilwell has shuttled down the left flank tirelessly for Chelsea this season. Against Arsenal on Wednesday, he could find Calum Chambers blocking his path on the wings. Chambers has turned his career around at Arsenal, establishing himself as the team's first-choice right-back this season.
However, Chambers will have to match the former Leicester City defender's energy, or it could be a long night for the Southampton academy graduate.
Also Read: Schalke vs Hertha Berlin prediction, preview, team news, and more | Bundesliga 2020-21.
