Saka, Martinelli and Smith Rowe joins Lacazette in attack as Aubameyang, Pepe and Willian benched for Arsenal against Chelsea

Arsenal will host Chelsea in the derby this evening on Boxing day clash. The game is expected to kick off at 6:30pm GMT. 

Mikel Arteta whose side have been struggling in the league have made changes to the side against Frank Lampard side. 

Granit Xhaka has completed hid suspension and he starts with Mohamed Elneny in the midfield. While Pablo Mari start his first game since he was injured back in June. 

Smith Rowe has also been handed his first start this season, he's expected to provide the creativity for Alexander Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli who was passed fit as he was forced off in mid week Carabao cup loss to Man City. 

For Frank Lampard, the Blues have been handed boost as Ben Chilwell and Recce James who missed last game are back in the squad. 

While Kovacic comes in the middle to support Kante. Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic will create the opportunities for Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham 

Arsenal XI: Lacazette, Leno, Xhaka, M.Elneny, Mari, Bellerin, Tierney, Holding, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Saka

Subs: Aubameyang, Mustafi, Cedric, Runarsson, Pepe, Maitland-Niles, Ceballos, Willock, Nketiah

Chelsea XI: Thiago Silva, Kovacic, Zouma, E. Mendy, Kante, Werner, Abraham, Mount, Chilwell, Pulisic, Reece James

Subs: Azpilicueta, Giroud, Jorginho, Emerson, Rudiger, Kepa, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi, Gilmour