Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Arsenal with Aubameyang set to start in Gunners reunion | Football | Sport | Express.co.uk

Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Arsenal with Aubameyang set to start in Gunners reunion

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could face Arsenal for the first time since leaving in January when the Gunners visit Chelsea on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reunion against Chelsea

head coach Graham Potter could be without six first-team players in Sunday's London derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is fit, though, and is primed to face the Gunners for the first time since leaving in January. Express Sport runs through how Chelsea could line up as they aim to end their three-match winless Premier League run.

Goalkeeper - Mendy

Potter has confirmed that first-choice stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga will likely be out until after the World Cup. On Friday, he said: "Kepa, no [he isn't available]. He has plantar fasciitis on the bottom of his foot. I don't think he will play before the World Cup." As a result, Edouard Mendy will have the chance to reclaim a regular starting berth.

Defence - Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly

Ben Chilwell's absence added to Chelsea's defensive injury woes, with Reece James and Wesley Fofana also sidelined. Despite the 4-1 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion last time out, Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva should keep their places as a result.

Kalidou Koulibaly was a welcome returnee to the back line in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb. And he is expected to stand alongside Chalobah and Silva instead of Marc Cucurella.

JUST IN: Tottenham 'to use Emerson' in swap deal when January window opens

Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could face his former club. (Image: GETTY)

Midfield - Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Cucurella

Potter has experimented with different names at right-wing-back in James' absence, but it would make sense to see Cesar Azpilicueta start a second successive game on the right. Cucurella could return to his natural left-wing-back role, with Mateo Kovacic partnering Jorginho after his injury comeback.

N'Golo Kante is still set to be out of action for another three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury. And Carney Chukwuemeka is also out of contention after training alone for a week due to his own hamstring troubles.

READ MORE: What Man Utd star Garnacho has been pictured doing ahead of Villa game

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal in January (Image: Getty)

Attack - Mount, Sterling, Aubameyang

Aubameyang is in line to face his former club in an unexpected Premier League reunion less than a year after leaving the Emirates Stadium for Barcelona. Potter has claimed the 33-year-old is 'looking forward' to going up against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

He could be flanked by Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling, who rediscovered his goalscoring touch against Zagreb in midweek. That line-up would include five changes from last weekend's collapse at the Amex Stadium as Chelsea fight to stay in touch with the Champions League places.

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.

Would you like to receive notifications from this site?