Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-2-3-1) vs Chelsea, Ben White misses out

Arsenal entertain London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Gunners are without eight first-team stars for the derby with the latest being Ben White, who has tested positive for COVID-19.

They are underdogs for the encounter, but manager Mikel Arteta will be desperate to avoid successive defeats to start the season.

Predicted Lineup:

Bernd Leno is expected to start between the sticks regardless of the club's recent purchase of Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United.

With White on the sidelines, Rob Holding is likely to accompany Pablo Mari at the heart of the defence. The full-back positions may remain unchanged.

No changes are expected in midfield. With Thomas Partey injured, Albert Sambi Lokonga is set to make his home debut alongside Granit Xhaka.

The attack could see a couple of changes from the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League curtain raiser.

Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun may drop to the bench. Bukayo Saka could slot into the right wing with Nicolas Pepe on the other flank.

Emile Smith Rowe should feature in his customary number 10 role with club-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line.

Aubameyang recently had a bout of COVID-19, but he could be fit to start after returning to training ahead of the London derby.

Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Chambers, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Aubameyang.