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With Liverpool facing an awkward London away day on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal may well have the opportunity to eat further into the Reds' lead at the summit when they face Aston Villa.
Nothing is coming easy for Mikel Arteta's side. While their ability to suffocate and control is undeniable, a lack of ruthlessness in the final third means killing teams off has proven to be an impossible task in recent outings.
Arsenal are in the title hunt, but they won't be winning the league - even if they're not taking on the sky-blue juggernaut from Manchester - unless the club acts this winter. Arteta was almost pleading in his pre-match presser for fresh faces. He needs 'em.
For Saturday, though, the boss will be working with the same depleted squad. With no players likely to return from injury, here's how Arsenal could line up for Villa's visit.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Aston Villa
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) - Raya has doubtlessly improved on last year, and he'll be put to the test by the array of sharpshooters Villa have in their squad on Saturday.
Jurrien Timber (RB) - With no right-backs returning until the end of January at the earliest, we can only hope that Timber holds up. The Dutchman has been relied upon a lot having recovered from an ACL tear less than a year ago.
William Saliba (CB) - The Frenchman looked more like his usual self on Wednesday after a minor dip over the past couple of weeks. Villa's willingness to hit channels means it could be a busy outing for Saliba.
Gabriel (CB) - The Brazilian was outstanding again in the North London Derby having scored last weekend. He's come to the fore again after a quiet few weeks.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - Who cares if Riccardo Calafiori's back or not? We've got this kid doing his best Mousa Dembele impression at left-back. He's quickly become a fan favourite.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (DM) - He may not be around for much longer, but Arteta values Partey highly and he should get another start on Saturday. His rest will come in the week.
Declan Rice (CM) - Rice was exaggerating when he said Arsenal should've scored ten in the derby (four shots on target, barely 1.5 xG), but the Englishman was keen to come to Arteta's corner and hint at the need for winter reinforcements. Perhaps he could come up with a couple of goals himself.
Martin Odegaard (CM) - The skipper is starting to wave his magic wand again, but it's been a while since we saw Odegaard take a game over.
Forwards
Gabriel Martinelli (RW) - We're back to where we started on the Bukayo Saka alternatives. With Ethan Nwaneri injured and Raheem Sterling failing to take his chance in midweek, Martinelli should get the nod down the right.
Kai Havertz (ST) - Havertz wasn't able to bounce back in the derby as he went without a goal again. However, unless Arteta opts for Leandro Trossard up top, which seems unlikely, the German will be tasked with leading the line against the Villans. Benjamin Sesko won't be arriving anytime soon.
Leandro Trossard (LW) - That was some way to end your goal drought. Trossard proved to be the match-winner on Wednesday night as he scored for the first time since November. The Belgian came up clutch down the stretch last season, and Arteta could do with another hot run of form from the experienced winger.