Arsenal - Emirates Stadium
Arsenal - Emirates Stadium
Arsenal head into Sunday’s London derby at the Emirates after a 1-0 win at Aston Villa, where Bukayo Saka supplied the decisive finish. Arsenal have opened the campaign with two victories, while Mikel Arteta now faces a selection call shaped by fitness and balance. Arsenal Predicted Lineup discussions point to a familiar 4-3-3, though several places remain open to debate.
Arsenal predicted lineup against Chelsea
David Raya should continue in goal after keeping Arsenal’s early-season defensive structure steady. Ben White offers the safest choice at right-back, while Gabriel Magalhães should anchor the centre of defence. William Saliba remains sidelined, and recent Arsenal team news has repeatedly shown his absence affecting the central pairing. Ezri Konsa provides a senior option after joining from Aston Villa, while Piero Hincapié gives Arteta another left-sided defender.
Riccardo Calafiori looks the likeliest choice at left-back, particularly because his ability to step inside can help Arsenal build with an extra midfielder. His movement gives the back line greater flexibility.
Arsenal predicted lineup in midfield
Declan Rice should start after playing the full match at Villa, where Arsenal protected another narrow lead. Martin Zubimendi gives the side a calmer passing option from the base, while Martin Ødegaard should operate between midfield and attack. Eberechi Eze, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bruno Guimarães give Arteta alternatives, yet the manager could prefer the established trio for a high-pressure derby.
Bruno Guimarães made his Arsenal debut at Villa. His appearance improves his case, but a start against Chelsea would still represent a significant step after limited preparation.
Arsenal predicted lineup in attack
Bukayo Saka should keep his place on the right following another match-winning contribution. Noni Madueke offers another option there, yet Saka’s form makes his selection almost automatic. Christos Tzolis competes for the left side, although Eberechi Eze could move forward if Arteta wants an extra ball carrier. Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres provide contrasting options through the middle, with Havertz offering link play and Gyökeres bringing more penalty-box presence.
Arsenal won at Villa without needing to chase the game wildly, and that controlled approach could shape Sunday’s selection. Arteta has plenty of attacking pieces, but Chelsea will test Arsenal’s defensive spacing and midfield press from the opening whistle. Central defence remains the biggest selection call for this derby.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard; Saka, Havertz, Tzolis.