Arsenal vs Chelsea - 5 Players who could play a key role in the match | Premier League 2019-20

On Sunday, it will be the first time Arsenal fans witness Mikel Arteta walk out of the tunnel as the new manager of the club. The 37-year-old became the new permanent manager of the North London club after they sacked Unai Emery at the end of November.

The former Arsenal captain's first game in charge ended as a draw against Eddie Howe's Bournemouth but onto the upcoming home game, all will be hoping for Arsenal to turn their fortunes around and secure all three points.

Despite beating Tottenham away from home last weekend, Chelsea slipped to a shocking 0-2 defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day. The result intensified the race to finish in the top four with Spurs and Sheffield United just three points away from the Blues.

Neither team can afford to drop points at this stage of the campaign. On this note, here are five players who could play a key role in the upcoming match.

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5. Mateo Kovacic

Kovacic could return to the starting eleven after serving his suspension

Suspended for the game against the Saints, Frank Lampard is expected to bring Kovacic back to the starting eleven for the match against the Gunners. The 25-year-old has played in every single match before his suspension and he has been a vital figure in Chelsea's midfield.

The Croatian midfielder is extremely skilful in his passing and through balls. Arsenal's midfield has been abysmal this season and if the Blues were to win, they will have to capitalise on this weakness ingrained in the Gunners.

In his last 18 Premier League appearances, Kovacic has an average of 91% pass accuracy and a 64% tackle success. His hard work in the midfield cannot be overlooked and against the likes of Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka, Kovacic will be tasked with stabilising the Blues' midfield.

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4. Christian Pulisic

Pulisic could play a key role in unlocking Arsenal's defence

Since joining Chelsea in the summer, Christian Pulisic has been a regular in Lampard's team. The 21-year-old has made a total of 22 appearances this season, including 15 in the Premier League where he scored five goals and provided two assists.

The former Borussia Dortmund winger impressed fans in October and early November when he netted the first hat-trick of his career in England. However, after that couple of successful games, Pulisic's form has dropped. He has not contributed to any goal in the EPL since late November and Lampard has started him on the bench in the last two games.

The American's quick passing and effective dribbling will be extremely effective against a slow and clumsy Arsenal backline.

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3. Tammy Abraham

Abraham's tall stature makes him a threat in set-pieces

Abraham is currently the top-scorer of the Blues this season with 13 goals and 4 assists. The 22-year-old has been superb and is understandably well-liked by Lampard. As compared to other more experienced forwards such as Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud, the Chelsea manager has time and again opted to start Abraham.

Last season, the England international went out on loan to Aston Villa where he made 37 appearances in the Championship and netted 25 times. This season, instead of leaving on loan again, Abraham has stayed and benefitted from Lampard's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

For the upcoming London derby clash, the striker will definitely be assured of a role in the starting eleven. His tall-built also makes him a threat in set-pieces, something Arsenal have trouble defending against in recent months.

2. Mesut Ozil

Ozil impressed in the draw with Cherries

Ozil appeared to be a rejuvenated player during Arsenal's recent draw with Bournemouth. The German midfielder dazzled on the pitch with his intrinsic passing and even earnt the praise from his manager. With his excellent performance on Boxing Day, Arteta is expected to call upon Ozil this weekend too.

The 31-year-old had often been on the receiving end of immense criticism when Unai Emery was in charge of the Gunners. The former manager was unhappy with Ozil's body language and even when fit, he was frequently left out of the matchday squad.

If Ozil is able to replicate his performance at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, he will certainly be a star to watch and a key figure in the midfield battle.

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1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang has been a vital goalscorer for Arsenal

At present, Aubameyang is Arsenal's top-scorer with 14 goals in the Premier League and he was on the scoresheet when the Gunners played against the Cherries in the midweek match. Thanks to his equaliser in the second-half, it prevented Arteta from losing his first fixture as a manager.

Throughout the season, the Gabonese has been scoring vital goals and salvaging the situation for Arsenal. If not for him, the North London side might find themselves in the relegation battle.

The 30-year-old will be the main target man for the home team this weekend. Additionally, fans will surely be hoping that Arteta's managerial campaign gets off to a good start in front of the home crowd.