Chelsea vs Arsenal LIVE: Team news confirmed; Premier League latest updates and build-up

Express Sport brings you LIVE coverage of the Premier League as Chelsea and Arsenal meet at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Willian, Barkley, Pedro, Morata

Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi, Aubameyang

CHELSEA 0-0 ARSENAL

• Kepa Arrizabalaga makes Stamford Bridge debut

CHELSEA 0-0 ARSENAL

1: After some fireworks and a few handshakes, we’re underway at Stamford Bridge. Oh good, Glenn Hoddle is co-commentating tonight…

‘HE’S EXCITING’

17:25: Jermain Jenas on Ross Barkley’s inclusion today: “He actually played quite well against Huddersfield. Huddersfield were poor, but I think he suits Sarri’s style, the physical nature to Ross Barkley.

“He’s tall, he’s strong, he’s quick, he runs and drives with the ball, he’s attacking, he’s exciting. It didn’t surprise me that he was in the starting line-up. I just think it’s great that he seems to have got that new lease of life. When he first joined, I don’t think he felt loved or even that Conte wanted him.”

‘BOLD DECISIONS’

17:22: Analysis from our reporter Uche Amako, at Stamford Bridge.

With less than 10 minutes till kick off, the pressure is on Arsenal to get their first three points of the season.

And manager Unai Emery has made some bold decisions, dropping Aaron Ramsey to the bench and bring in Alex Iwobi.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the attack over Alexandre Lacazette and he will be hoping for more support from Arsenal’s creative players.

WORRIED? NO CHANCE.

17:20: Maurizio Sarri has no concerns over the form of Alvaro Morata and expects the Spain striker to find confidence and goals.

I mean… what else was he going to say?!

Morata scored eight goals in eight competitive appearances at the start of last season, but his form has dipped alarmingly since.

“I am not worried about Morata. Morata is a very good player,” said Sarri. “I think in this moment he needs only to gain confidence. But he’s a great player. He needs to gain confidence. But he’s improving. I’m not really worried about him. He needs to score. As do all strikers in the world, I think.”

TWITTER ROUND-UP

Dan: This Arsenal line-up is SO Arsene Wenger. Just so many flaws in the starting XI. 19-year-old from Ligue 2 getting the green light over World Cup star and accomplished defensive midfielder Lucas Torreira… Don’t even get me started on Alex Iwobi’s inclusion.

Ben: I wish Maurizio Sarri would wear a suit on match days, wearing trackies and a cap just reminds me of Tony Pulis!

Andy: Can’t understand Maurizio Sarri’s team selection. David Luiz starts and yet Eden Hazard is still on the bench. He must have taken enough rest and gained match fitness after the World Cup.

ALVARO MORATA BLANK?

17:15: Morata scored eight goals in eight competitive appearances at the start of last season, but his form has dipped alarmingly since and the 25-year-old has just one Premier League goal in 15 appearances in the competition in 2018.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri admits Morata needs to gain confidence and at this stage the Spain international would take a goal which bobbled in off his shin to take a step in the right direction.

BAPTISM OF FIRE…

17:10: Arsenal’s new manager could be forgiven for giving the Premier League fixture computer a good kicking after being handed a home game with champions Manchester City and then a London derby away to Chelsea for his first two league matches since replacing Arsene Wenger.

However, there were encouraging signs against City and Gunners fans will surely exercise enough patience to give their new boss some breathing space.

TEAM NEWS

17:05: Eden Hazard was left on the substitutes’ bench as Maurizio Sarri named an unchanged Chelsea side for the visit of Arsenal to Stamford Bridge.

Belgium playmaker Hazard was linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, but has stayed put, and will be expected to come off the bench as Sarri stuck with the side which began the opening 3-0 win at Huddersfield.

Unai Emery made two changes following Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City, with Nacho Monreal and Alex Iwobi coming in for Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Aaron Ramsey.

CHELSEA vs ARSENAL

17:00: And here are you line-ups folks. West Ham cost me my accy this afternoon, so I’m in a foul mood. You’ve been warned!

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Willian, Barkley, Pedro, Morata

Subs: Caballero, Hazard, Moses, Kovacic, Giroud, Zappacosta, Christensen.

Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi, Aubameyang

Subs: Leno, Elneny, Ramsey, Lacazette, Torreira, Lichtsteiner, Welbeck.

AFTERNOON

16:20: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the Premier League as London heavyweights Chelsea and Arsenal meet at Stamford Bridge.

The team news and line-ups will appear here shortly, and updates will begin after the conclusion of the 3pm kick offs.

To follow action, simply click here!

CHELSEA vs ARSENAL

Cesc Fabregas is unavailable for Chelsea’s clash with his former club. His minor knee injury could present a chance for Mateo Kovacic, on loan from Real Madrid, to make his debut.

Arsenal will be without Ainsley Maitland-Niles for the clash. The England Under-21s international suffered a small fracture to his leg in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City and faces up to two months out. He is likely to be replaced by fit-again Nacho Monreal.

Last season: Arsenal 2 Chelsea 2, Chelsea 0 Arsenal 0

Last five league matches: Chelsea W W D L W; Arsenal L W L W L

Top scorers: Pedro, Jorginho & N’Golo Kante (Chelsea) 1

Referee: Martin Atkinson