Rob Holding is anticipating an entertaining clash when Arsenal take on Chelsea and their ‘exciting strike force’.
The standout Boxing Day Premier League fixture sees the two London sides do battle at the Emirates Stadium.
There have been some memorable Arsenal vs Chelsea encounters over the years, with the sides sharing a fierce rivalry as fans from both sides insist their club is the biggest in the nation’s capital.
However, they’ve certainly experienced contrasting fortunes so far this season.
Despite a recent lapse in form – which has seen them lose two of their last three league games – Chelsea are firmly in the mix to finish in the top four and maybe even challenge the likes of Liverpool for the title.
Arsenal, however, have made a disastrous start to 2020/21 – their worst start to a campaign since 1974 – as they find themselves in 15th spot and just four points above the relegation zone.
Holding admits he and his teammates are wary of Chelsea’s ‘exciting’ strike force but insists Arsenal will play their own game when Frank Lampard’s side come to visit.
“The past recent history of playing Chelsea have been very good games – a few draws and a few wins so hopefully we can keep that run going,” Holding exclusively told talkSPORT.
“We know how exciting they are with the strike force and the players they’ve brought in.
“What Frank Lampard has done for them over this season and last season, he’s got a real project to what he’s building to what I think they’re aiming to be and it’ll be an exciting game and we have to respect them and play our game.”
Listen to full commentary of Arsenal vs Chelsea on Boxing Day LIVE on talkSPORT, kick-off 5:30pm