Arsenal have another huge chance to move one step closer towards Premier League glory this afternoon when they take on Chelsea at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s men will no doubt enter the clash full of confidence after last weekend’s 4-1 North London Derby win over bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners are just 10 games away from ending a generation’s wait for a title, with today’s clash against another rival potentially vital in their efforts to end such a wait.
Mikel Arteta manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match Brentford vs Arsenal
It remains to be seen what changes the manager will make to his starting eleven at the Emirates, especially after such a dominant display just seven days ago.
However, Arteta will likely be without numerous key members of his squad against Liam Rosenior’s side in North London after the updates he delivered ahead of the clash.
Arsenal team news ahead of Chelsea
Over the last couple of weeks, Arsenal have struggled with the fitness of numerous players, which has no doubt led to the recent struggles in England’s top-flight.
Teenager Max Dowman is a player who’s been missing since December after suffering an ankle injury, but he could be in contention for a return to senior action.
Max-Dowman-Arsenal
The winger featured for 45 minutes during the U21s defeat against Ipswich Town on Friday, which could allow for a place on the bench once more this afternoon.
Kai Havertz has once again struggled with injuries at the Emirates in recent weeks, subsequently missing each of the last four games across all competitions.
The German has since returned to first-team training over the last couple of days, with manager Arteta stating that he’s set for a return to action in the near future.
It remains to be seen whether or not he will feature in North London this afternoon, with Viktor Gyokeres almost certain to start after scoring a double last weekend.
Why Arteta should drop Eze
As previously mentioned, Arsenal’s win over Spurs last weekend handed numerous players a chance to thrive once more - but none more so than attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal-Eberechi-Eze
The Englishman matched Gyokeres in scoring twice during the triumph, subsequently taking his tally of goals against the Lilywhites to five since his £67m transfer in the summer.
However, the 27-year-old could well find himself back on the substitutes bench against Chelsea this afternoon, with Arteta potentially looking to shuffle his pack.
Bukayo Saka could well be handed another chance to thrive in the number ten position, which could allow winger Noni Madueke to impress against his former club.
The attacker, who cost £52m during the summer window, has struggled to nail down his place in the starting eleven this campaign, as seen by his tally of 11 starts to date.
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However, Arteta could hand him the perfect chance to thrive against Rosenior’s men, especially if he can produce the levels many know he’s capable of in North London.
The 23-year-old has previously stated that he’s based his playstyle on that of former Blues star Eden Hazard, which could allow the Gunners to secure a needed win this afternoon.
Speaking during his time at PSV, Madueke stated: “I’d probably have to say Eden Hazard…just a get you off your seat type of player.
“So exciting in terms of the flair to take people off their seats and create. There is definitely similarities, but I hope to be as good as him one day.”
Noni Madueke - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shots taken
Chances created
Successful crosses
Dribbles completed
Dribble success
Duels won
Whether he can get anywhere near the Belgian’s level in his career is one thing, but his direct nature for Arteta’s men could certainly provide a handful for the opposition.
His inclusion could well see Eze drop back down to the substitutes bench, a decision that may be an unpopular one given his success in the Derby last weekend.
madueke
However, Madueke needs regular minutes himself if he is to reach the levels many tipped him to after his own big-money transfer to the Emirates during the summer window.
If he can produce his best dribbling display against his former employers this weekend, there’s no reason why he can’t help Arteta’s men move one step closer to title glory.
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