This weekend’s Premier League action kicks-off with a stonker at Stamford Bridge, with league leaders Chelsea hosting third-placed Arsenal (12:30).

The Blues, who hold a nine-point lead ahead of kick-off, with The Gunners level on points with North London rivals Tottenham in second spot (47), extended their advantage in midweek, despite being pinned back to a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

Whereas for tomorrow afternoon’s visitors, Arsenal stumbled to a surprise 2-1 home defeat to the hands of Watford, dealing a huge blow to their own 2016-17 Premier League title bid.

Early strikes from Younes Kaboul and Troy Deeney saw the Hornets establish an impressive 2-0 lead inside 13 minutes at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, before Alex Iwobi netted the hosts’ consolation goal in the second-half.

So, ahead of a must win fixture for Arsene Wenger’s men at the Bridge, here is three players that the Frenchman should drop in a bid to defeat The Blues…

Gabriel

You have to applaud the Brazilian’s work rate, but filling in at right-back for Arsenal is a hard ask following Hector Bellerin’s solid displays this season.

The 26-year-old was given a surprise start by Wenger at the Emirates against Watford on Tuesday, coming in for Bellerin, despite the Spaniard making his return from injury last weekend against Southampton in the FA Cup.

However, Wenger won’t make the same mistake twice, especially against Chelsea on Saturday. Bellerin will almost certainly replace Gabriel at right-back, bar a last minute knock.

Gabriel looked uncomfortable at full-back, expected due to his predominant centre-half role, with the Brazilian being caught out of position on numerous occasions, especially in the opening half against the Hornets.

Aaron Ramsey

One Wenger HAS to drop on Saturday – because he is injured.

The Arsenal manager confirmed midfielder Ramsey will be ruled out for around three weeks with a calf strain, which he suffered in the midweek defeat to Watford.

The Welshman’s absence could hand Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a start at Stamford Bridge after coming off the bench on Tuesday night, though he’ll face a late fitness test himself.

Olivier Giroud

Photo: Charlotte Wilson

And finally, Wenger will debate about dropping fellow Frenchman Giroud. One because of Tuesday’s display. Two because of a slight injury doubt.

The 30-year-old, who has scored seven Premier League goals so far this season, also faces a late fitness test after being replaced by winger Theo Walcott against Watford after knocking his ankle.

Nonetheless, the striker failed to impose himself on the Hornets’ defence in midweek during his 45-minute appearance, though The Gunners’ service was fairly poor.

Fellow forward Walcott could be preferred for tomorrow’s trip to Stamford Bridge, given he has scored 14 goals in all competitions this term, and his next strike will be his 100th Arsenal goal. The stage is set!