Arsenal will be without Laurent Koscielny for this evening’s visit of Chelsea, as the defender has a cut to his knee.
Jack Wilshere misses the game as he begins a two-match suspension, though Lukas Podolski could return after missing the last four months with a hamstring injury.
Three points will see Arsene Wenger’s men return to the top of the division while defeat will see them slip to fourth place, and leave them just a point above in form Everton.
After this evening’s match, the Gunners then have away trips to West Ham United and Newcastle United, before they host Cardiff City on New Year’s Day.
Manchester City are currently favourites to reclaim the Premier League title, with Chelsea second favourites and Arsenal third.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria has denied reports that he is set to leave the Bernabeu amid links with a move to the Emirates, Sky Sports understands.
The Argentina has been used more sparingly following the arrival of Gareth Bale in the summer, but has started the last two games in the Welsh international’s absence, and scored in both.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco has also been linked with the 25 year old, though he now looks likely to remain in the Spanish capital.