Football on Boxing Day is one of those indelible Premier League traditions, and this is especially true in this unprecedented year and season. We may not have fans in the stands again, but a classic between Chelsea and Arsenal is sure to make the blood boil in the midst of all the joy and goodwill of the holidays.
In addition to the rivalry, this match is a must win for both sides. For Chelsea and Lampard, it takes three points to keep pace close to the top. For Arsenal and Arteta, three points are needed to avoid a relegation battle.
The pressure is increasing.
Date time: Saturday, December 26, 2020, 17:30 GMT; 12:30 EST; 23h IST
Local: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Judge: Michael Oliver (on the field); Paul Tierney (VAR)
Forecast: Very cold
On TV: Sky Sports Main Event (United Kingdom); NBC, Universe (USA); Star Sports Select HD1 (India); SuperSport Premier League, Canal + Sport 3 (NGA); somewhere else
Streaming: Sky Go (United Kingdom); NBC Sports Live, Universo Now (USA); Hotstar (India); DStv Now (NGA)
News from the Arsenal team: The summer’s major signing, Thomas Partey, remains sidelined with muscle strain, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Martinelli are at best, having just returned to training in recent days. The good and bad news for Arsenal is that Granit Xhaka, the midfielder’s responsibility, has served three punishment games due to the red card for violent conduct and is available again.
Having to rely on someone like Xhaka (or a Willian fighter or a wild card David Luiz) is not a big situation to be in, but that’s where Arsenal is, mired in a fall that saw them win just 1 of their last 10 Premier League games (7 losses). All strings must come to an end, however, and Chelsea cannot and should not underestimate the Gunners.
Enemy view: The short fuse
Chelsea team news: Chelsea corrected the problem after consecutive defeats with a 3-0 win over West Ham on Monday, which looks better on paper than it did at the time, but they all count the same in the end. As Lampard has been preaching throughout the season, the key is consistency and gaining momentum through constant performances. Here’s another big litmus test, then.
Our task will not be made easier by the absences of both starting defenders, Reece James and Ben Chilwell, and while Callum Hudson-Odoi looks fit and available once again, Hakim Ziyech remains out of the picture.
Previously: The last time we met Arsenal was in the FA Cup final on August 1, which was a very boring day, but we won the same game last season, actually around that time, coming from behind thanks to help from Bernd Leno and a late show by the Lampard boys.