Alex Howell
BBC football news reporter at the Emirates Stadium

Chelsea academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist has had an excellent breakthrough season and has been rewarded with a new contract with the club he supports. This will definitely be his toughest test in his career though, starting away at title-chasing Arsenal.

Rio Ferdinand
Former England defender on TNT Sports

This is a fantastic opportunity for another player to come and say 'you can rely on me'.

None of the other players have done that, or had to do that yet, because Cole Palmer has been doing it.

Will: Arsenal fans shouldn't be worried, if their team is on form it will tear this Chelsea team apart.

Anon: Have Arsenal faced a full strength team this season? Everybody they play seems to be damaged in some way. They'll say it's justice for Saliba's injury last year.

Martin Keown
Former England and Arsenal defender on TNT Sports

I expect Havertz [to perform] tonight, I think he feels like he is an Arsenal player now and he belongs here.

I think he will want to put one over on them.

Kai Havertz, of course, used to play for Chelsea, and even scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final.

The German could face the Blues for the second time since his summer move. He's on the bench tonight.

Image source, Getty Images

Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

I couldn't believe what I was seeing from Chelsea in their FA Cup semi final with Manchester City. Their lack of ability to put the ball in the net haunted them again.

The way that Chelsea play, sometimes you think 'why are they where they are in the league because they play really well?'

Other times you think it's exactly where they deserve to be.

If they find a way to put the ball in the back of the net they'll travel up the league next season for sure. That's Pochettino's problem, inconsistency is rife throughout the squad.

Does anybody think their team will win tonight? Where's the optimism?

Paul: Chelsea have 10 players out injured with 7 of those being starting XI players against a completely fit Arsenal squad with no injury concerns. It's only going to end one way tonight.

Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

We saw last year what the pressure can do to a set of players. Arsenal fell away, but this year something seems a little bit different and that's because they've hopefully learnt from what it's like.

They can't afford a draw. They can't afford anything other than winning every game now because you can almost bet on the fact that Manchester City will do that.

They didn't play brilliantly against Wolves, but it was a great result to get the points when the pressure was on. They've got an opportunity to put another three points on the board [against Chelsea].

They'll be a danger. Arsenal have to forget about who they are playing, get their formula right and they will win the game. I've got very little doubt that they won't get the job done tonight and pile the pressure on City.

Rio Ferdinand
Former England defender on TNT Sports

It is the youngest line-up to play against Arsenal ever in the Premier League. That's what he is working with.

You will see the best of most of these players six months to a year down the line. We have seen that a lot of times.

I think good things are coming for Chelsea, if Pochettino and his staff are given the time they need.

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino speaking to TNT Sports: "It's a difficult time. Because of the circumstance never help us to be solid and to be in a position on the level we wanted. It is difficult to match the history of Chelsea."

On the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City: "I think we played very well and the team showed great character and personality.

"We are a young team that need to learn, need to improve, need to know what it means to be professional."

On Cole Palmer: "He is showing amazing skills. Maybe young Player of the Year or Player of the Year. We will see."

On patience: "[It is important to] not only to be motivated or to give your best when you play against big teams. We need time. Time to be better and improved,"

Good point John. I guess the other argument is that, in moments, Chelsea have actually looked pretty good. They only just lost to Manchester City at the weekend and are on a nice unbeaten run in the league.

Also, speaking of spending, have a go at our Arsenal v Chelsea - which players cost more quiz!

BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 Live are chatting all things Premier League right now. Stick it on to get all the best build up for this match.

Arsenal

More from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to TNT Sports: "When you lose the ball is a key thing. And how you win it back. They are very good at attacking open spaces.

"We cannot replicate what we did last year. Every game is different and every week is different. You know what it takes. We are here to impact the game. Impact the game as best you can.

"Believe that you can do it and feel strong. We have done it for nine and a half months. That is not a coincidence. When it comes to these moments, you have to step up and make it happen."

Valky one of many Chelsea fans who has just messaged in to tell us he's nervous, by the way. Not much confidence in the Blues out there at the moment.

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to TNT Sports: "There is no time, no room for complacency. We know we will have to be really good to earn the right to beat this team and keep fighting.

"After the defeat we had here against Villa and the run we had, winning 10 out of 11 we were still not top. We have to keep fighting."

On Saliba and Gabriel's partnership: "It's a huge plus. There is an unbelievable chemistry there and they compliment each other in the right way. They keep growing and we are blessed to have them.

"They have always the right level of organisation. The team has been really strong defensively this season and we have to keep doing that tonight. They have good talent and they will test us."