Charlie Nicholas backs Arsenal to overcome Chelsea

Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has backed the Gunners to overcome Chelsea in Sunday's Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal started life under Mikel Arteta with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Boxing Day, while Chelsea's disappointing form continued as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Southampton.

Frank Lampard's side remain fourth in the Premier League table but have now lost three of their last four league outings, and Nicholas has tipped his former side to inflict more damage on their London rivals.

"Alexandre Lacazette is back in the team, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is scoring, but Lacazette was sluggish - he needed that game. Mesut Ozil was subbed but was not finding the space, so you can see why," Nicholas told Sky Sports News before predicting a 3-2 home win.

"I enjoyed the desire and a bit of fight from the Arsenal team I saw at Bournemouth. This should lift the big players. He could make a few changes, but my heart is ruling my head here."

The Gunners are currently 11th in the Premier League table, eight points off fourth-placed Chelsea.