CHELSEA will host London rivals Arsenal in a tasty Premier League clash this afternoon.
After a difficult start for the Argentine, the Blues appear to be heading in the right direction.
Three wins on the bounce in all competitions has seen pressure ease on Pochettino's shoulders.
But Arsenal would love little more than to drag their former Tottenham rival back into the mire.
Pochettino never lost a home Premier League North London derby as Spurs boss.
CHELSEA – ARSENAL GET 30/1 ON 1+ GOAL TO BE SCORED
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But with Arsenal riding high from their 1-0 win over Manchester City last time out, this will be a huge test of the Blues' mettle.
Stamford Bridge has been a surprisingly happy hunting ground for the Gunners in recent years.
Arsenal have won three times in a row at the Bridge, including a 1-0 triumph last year.
The Blues' last win on home soil against their North London foes came all the way back in August 2018, when Marcos Alonso's late effort sealed a 3-2 triumph.
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A similar outcome this Saturday would hugely strengthen Pochettino's position.
What is their form like?
Arsenal go into this weekend's match having won six and drawn two of their eight Prem games so far this term.
The Gunners beat Man City 1-0 before the international break, having defeated Bournemouth 4-0 in their previous Prem match.
In between they were beaten 2-1 by Lens in the Champions League.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have strung together three wins on the bounce.
They overcame Brighton 1-0 in a low-key League Cup clash, before winning 2-0 at Fulham and 4-1 at Burnley.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Chelsea captain Reece James looked set to return from a hamstring issue to face the Gunners on Saturday, but the right-back has reportedly suffered another setback.
It has been reported that the defender sustained another injury over 10 days ago leading him to go for a scan, which was deemed fine, but he has since been training alone and is expected to miss this weekend's match.
Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson are all expected to be available after recent issues.
But Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile all remain out.
Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka after the winger sustained a hamstring injury against Lens in the Champions League.
He subsequently missed the Gunners' clash with City, and Saka was sent home by England after reporting for international duty.
William Saliba withdrew from the France squad with a toe injury but Arsenal are hopeful that he will be available.
The Gunners could have Leandro Trossard back, but Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee.
Who will be the star men?
Raheem Sterling has shone for Chelsea this season.
The winger seems to have struck an instant rapport with boss Pochettino, and looks more himself compared to last term.
He grabbed a goal and an assist against Burnley last time out, and could be pivotal again this weekend.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to captain Martin Odegaard for creativity.
The Norwegian will be especially important if Saka does indeed miss out through injury.
He will have to put his international disappointments behind him, however, after Norway lost 1-0 to Spain on Sunday – leaving their Euro 2024 hopes in tatters.
SunSport prediction
The Blues will feel they're due a home win against the Gunners, and with returning skipper James in action they will have every chance.
SunSport predicts: Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1
When is Chelsea vs Arsenal?
- Chelsea's clash with Arsenal takes place TODAY, Saturday, October 21.
- The game kicks off at 5.30pm BST.
- Chelsea vs Arsenal will be held at Stamford Bridge.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Chelsea's clash with Arsenal will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football.
- You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
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Odds
- Chelsea – 2/1
- Draw – 23/10
- Arsenal – 13/10
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
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