This is the Chelsea predicted lineup for their Premier League tie with Arsenal. This will contain a look at the most recent team news as some players return from injury and others remain sidelined. This fixture will see the league leaders take on one of their direct challengers with just six points separating these two teams. A win for the Blues would move them into genuine contendership while a defeat could confine them to a challenging pack that’s content with a top four finish. The season isn’t necessarily on the line but a statement win would be big for either side.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup & Team News vs Arsenal
How Chelsea Have Lined Up Recently
Robert Sanchez is the undisputed starting goalkeeper. The back line has mixed a bit with Malo Gusto and Reece James swapping right back duties, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Tosin Adarabioyo play at centre back, Marc Cucurella is the left back of choice and doesn’t miss many minutes.
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James has also stepped into defensive midfield where Moises Caicedo has partnered the Englishman or Andrey Santos whenever Enzo Fernandez is moved forward away from the pivot. Enzo has played in the attacking midfielder spot whenever Joao Pedro is rested or moved forward.
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Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, and Estevao share the winger minutes with different rotations being used depending on the opposition. Pedro has played as the striker with Liam Delap as the other main option up front.
Chelsea Recent Form & Tactics
Assigning a formation is almost pointless for most modern teams as it has been for Enzo Maresca. He starts in a 4-2-3-1 but his setup shifts when in possession depending on the opponent. Who inverts and to where is usually one of the big questions with another being what players move up to press and who doesn’t. It will definitely look different here against Arsenal as compared to the high-press and counter system used against Barcelona in midweek.
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With four clean sheets in the last five, the Blues have managed to remain undefeated in their last six outings. They’ve had a poor result against Qarabag in there but strong wins over the Blaugrana, Tottenham, and even Burnley have shown a level of control that will please the manager. They also boast one of England’s best attacks which will make for an interesting collision with the Gunners’ strong defence.
Chelsea Team News
According to PremierInjuries, there are four different players unavailable. Mykhailo Mudryk is still suspended, Romeo Lavia is injured, Levi Colwill is sidelined long term with an ACL issue, and Dario Essugo has made his return to training but won’t be match fit yet.
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There are some other issues to consider for the manager, specifically load management. Players like Neto and James have played a lot with their documented medical issues. There could be temptation there to rest one or both, but the Portuguese attacker could be asked to tough it out as his defensive abilities could be used to help deal with Arsenal’s left-back.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
There’s a lot to juggle here with Palmer being one key one, will he start or be brought off the bennch? Will James or Neto be rested or used from the start? And should the Blues take a page from Bayern’s goal and try a false nine to drag the centre-backs out of position? Well, this is our guess.
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Benoit Badiashile
CB – Wesley Fofana
RB – Malo Gusto
DM – Enzo Fernandez
DM – Moises Caicedo
W – Alejandro Garnacho
AM – Cole Palmer (first half only)
W – Pedro Neto
ST – Joao Pedro
Featured Image Credit
Chelsea Predicted Lineup - 'Closely Monitoring': Chelsea Eyeing 14-Goal Attacking Speedster - Emanuel Emegha
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