Arsenal vs Chelsea: Three key battles which could be win or lose for Xabi Alonso

Chelsea head to Arsenal’s backyard ready to battle for all three points, hoping to land an early blow to the Gunners’ title hopes, one painful enough to leave a mark, but nowhere near fatal.

Games like this can often be decided by the little individual battles across the pitch. Chelsea have plenty of attacking weapons to cause Arsenal problems, but they will be coming up against one of the league’s strongest shields, made up of diamond quality. Here are three battles that could have a big say in who comes out on top at the Emirates.

This could be one of the defining individual battles at the Emirates, with Chelsea facing the challenge of containing one of Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking outlets. Saka’s ability to isolate defenders, cut inside and create chances makes him a constant threat, particularly when he receives the ball in the final third.