With the title race in tatters and 15 points adrift of Liverpool, Arsenal host Chelsea with ten Premier League matches remaining. The Gunners hammered the Blues this time last year, so Chelsea will be desperate to secure the bragging rights in this London derby. Here is our Arsenal predicted lineup.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Chelsea: Positive Update on Injured Ace
How Arsenal Have Lined-up Recently
There was little surprise to see Arteta rotate his squad against PSV in mid-week, especially with his side already 7-1 up on aggregate.
But there was no change in goalkeeper, with David Raya in between the sticks. His defence featured Ben White, making his first start after returning from injury. Familiar faces Gabriel Magalhaes and Myles Lewis-Skelly also started along with Jakub Kiwior who made his 17th appearance of the season.
In midfield, Arteta brought in Oleksandr Zinchenko from the cold to great effect, with the Ukrainian scoring in the sixth minute. Zinchenko was partnered by veteran Jorginho and Declan Rice.
It was rare enough to see Kieran Tierney start, but not many Arsenal fans would have predicted a start for the Scot on the left wing. He played with Raheem Sterling and Mikel Merino.
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Arsenal Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal have three wins, two draws and one loss in their last six Premier League games.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hinted at the tactical battle that Chelsea will offer his players in the pre-match presser.
He said: “I think two teams that want to be very dominant in the way of playing are very aggressive on the high press and the way we have to have the ball. A lot of individual quality on that pitch so it’s about imposing what you want and the direction that you want to take the game and keep them very far from their strengths. I think that’s going to be a key thing as well.”
Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 this time last year and will be hoping for a re-run of that performance. Chelsea, with three wins and three losses in their last six league matches are fighting to stay in the top four, making this London derby especially important for them.
Arsenal Injuries and Absentees to Consider
Raheem Sterling will not play in this fixture as he is not permitted to play against his former club Chelsea.
But there are two positive pieces of news for two first-team stars.
First, an update on Bukayo Saka. Arteta said: “No, he’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress I would say.”
Ben White is also recovering well having started against PSV in mid-week. Arteta said: “He’s been now involved for the last two weeks almost, and he’s not reacting so that’s very positive, and Ben is a really important player for us. He brings something very different to the team dynamic, and that’s ready to happen.”
There are still a number of injured Gunners players including Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kai Havertz.
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Arsenal Predicted Lineup Vs Chelsea
GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhaes
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
CM: Thomas Partey
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Martin Odegaard
RW: Gabriel Martinelli
STR: Mikel Merino
LW: Leandro Trossard