Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea that Arsenal will be as tricky derby opponents ad ever at the Emirates on Boxing Day.

The fifth-placed Blues aim to inflict the lowly Gunners’ ninth defeat in 15 Premier League games.

But Lampard said: “When you play a derby, form does go out the window.

“‘Sometimes the idea of playing a derby is the spur the team needs to try and get a result.

“We have to expect the best Arsenal which is a really good footballing team with really good players, well-coached with rotations in their team and threats in attacking areas.”

Thomas Tuchel has been sacked as manager of PSG, piling pressure on Mikel Arteta.

The German, who would be a viable alternative as Arsenal boss, has earned praise from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played under him at Dortmund.

In 2018, the Gabonese star said of Tuchel: “He’s one of the best coaches that I’ve had. I can’t deny his talent.

“He’s someone a bit crazy, a little like me. You could say that his style is a bit like that of Guardiola. In any case, they play with the same spirit.”

“He likes to keep the ball with a style of play that likes to see the ball move forward, no matter what happens.

“I think he’s got the stuff. Now, it’ll be up to him to prove it.”

Manchester United and Chelsea are battling it out for the signature of Ecuadorian wonderkid Moises Caicedo, with Ecuadorian journalist Diego Arcos reporting that his move to United is all but done.

The news comes after the Daily Mail suggested that Chelsea were hoping to steal a march on their rivals to land the talented youngster from Independiente del Valle.

Arcos states that Caicedo’s move will definitely happen and should be announced soon, with United believed to be paying a fee of £4.5 million.

The report says that Caicedo will sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford, although no further news has been announced to confirm the rumours.

If true, it confirms news revealed by the Manchester Evening News that the Reds are pursuing a policy of signing the best-rated teenage talents from around the world.

Caicedo turned 19 last month and has appeared for Ecuador in their last four World Cup qualifiers.

Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow after Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker tested positive for coronavirus.

The City duo will miss their clash with Newcastle at home on Boxing Day and Everton on the 28th.

The pair – who will now have to self-isolate – are expected to return for their match with Chelsea on 3 January.

Two other members of Etihad staff have also contracted Covid-19, and will remain at home under Government rules.

It comes just days after the pair played in a 4-1 quarter-final win in the EFL Cup against Arsenal at the Emirates.