Confirmed Chelsea line-up v Arsenal: Attacker axed in one change
By Dominic Toner
Chelsea have made one change to their starting XI for the home match against Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Blues host their London rivals at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and will be hoping to extend their nine-point gap at the top of the league table.
Antonio Conte has decided to make one alteration from the side that drew with Liverpool 1-1 on Tuesday night.
Attacker Willian has been dropped to the substitute’s bench, meaning that Spaniard Pedro is recalled to the side.
Chelsea have announced their starting line-up on their official Twitter account.
Conte has altered between wide men Pedro and Willian this season, but has decided to go with the former against the Gunners.
Chelsea will stretch their lead over second-placed Tottenham to 12 points if they win the early kick-off against Arsenal.
The Blues are the firm favourites to win the title this season and the chasing pack will be hoping they slip up at home.
Conte’s side have lost just three times in the Premier League this campaign, including a crushing 3-0 away loss against Arsenal.
The defeat forced the Italian managed to switch to a 3-4-3 formation and the team have been transformed since.
Arsene Wenger’s side will be under severe pressure to get a result as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against Watford in the mid-week fixtures.
In other Chelsea team news, Jamie Carragher has compared the club’s defender to a Tottenham duo.
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