Arsenal vs Chelsea team news: Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil start, Alexis Sanchez on the bench

Team news from the Emirates as Chelsea lock horns with London foes Arsenal

(2016 Getty Images)

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud starts against Chelsea after reports suggested he was suffering with an ankle injury.

The Frenchman has scored 18 goals in all competitions this season as the Gunners embark on their first major title challenge since 2011.

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has been buoyed by news Alexis Sanchez, named on the bench this afternoon, is nearing a full return to action while Mesut Ozil is in the starting line-up.

Joel Campbell and Mathieu Flamini also feature from the beginning as the north London outfit aim to reclaim their spot at the top of the Premier League table.

New signing Mohamed Elneny is still awaiting his debut after being an unused substitute during the 0-0 draw at Stoke City.

Eden Hazard, who has returned to training following a groin injury, is on the bench for Guud Hiddink's Blues while Diego Costa has recovered from a bruised shin to lead the line for the guests.

Today's line-ups...

Arsenal: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker (c), Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud.

Subs: Ospina, Gabriel, Gibbs, Chambers, Elneny, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Oscar; Diego Costa.

Subs: Begovic, Cahill, Baba Rahman, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Hazard, Remy.