Chelsea vs Arsenal team news and line-ups: James back, Saka and Saliba doubts

The Blues have picked up in recent weeks with back-to-back Premier League wins over Fulham and Burnley.

Mauricio Pochettino appears to be finding his best team and several players should be in contention for this match.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are one of two unbeaten Premier League sides and are second in the league behind Tottenham on goals scored.

But Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of a couple of key squad members.

Chelsea

The Blues have plenty of long-term injury absentees, with Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia all out.

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Ben Chilwell has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for some time, while there is also concern over Axel Disasi who has a quadriceps issue.

But Malo Gusto and Reece James will be back from suspension and injury, respectively.

Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah are all in training, so we could see the trio play some part here.

However, there are some concerns in the striker department.

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Armando Broja had to withdraw from Albania's squad for the international break and Nicolas Jackson has undergone wrist surgery.

Robert Sanchez will almost certainly play in goal for the hosts, given he's started every game this season.

Thiago Silva is one of the Blues' only fully fit centre-backs, and he could be partnered by Levi Colwill.

Colwill has played at left-back for a large proportion of this campaign, but with James and Gusto back, Marc Cucurella will most likely shift to left-back.

That leaves right-back open for the returning duo, but given James is club captain, he should get the nod.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo are starting to show signs of gelling.

Each player has different qualities but are looking better and better with each passing week.

Cole Palmer is likely to keep his place on the right after a goal and an assist in his last game.

On the other side, Raheem Sterling should start.

The winger is the Blues' top scorer this season and has eight goals in 22 appearances against Arsenal.

And with Broja struggling, Jackson should start after his goal last time out.

Arsenal team news

The main concerns for the Gunners revolve around Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

Saka suffered a hamstring injury against Lens that kept him out of the 1-0 win over Manchester City.

He then reported for England duty before pulling out, so it remains to be seen if he plays.

Saliba also pulled out of international duty for France due to a 'chronic' toe problem.

It's unclear how severe this is but the defender is a doubt for this one.

Leandro Trossard also has a slight hamstring issue and Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee.

In better news, Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey are back to full fitness.

In goal, David Raya is likely to continue over Aaron Ramsdale.

The Spaniard has played the Gunners' last four Premier League games, keeping three clean sheets.

Ben White will be in the team and Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to keep his spot at left-back.

Gabriel Magalhaes has been imperious since coming back into the side, but Saliba looks like he could miss out.

This means we could see Takehiro Tomiyasu or Jakub Kiwior come in.

But given his experience, Tomiyasu should step in at right-back and White might shift over to join Gabriel.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are two of the first names on the teamsheet.

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And after a good cameo against Man City, Kai Havertz could get another chance in midfield.

With Saka struggling, Gabriel Jesus is likely to switch out to the right, Martinelli will be on the left and Eddie Nketiah will probably lead the line.