Chelsea fell to a shock 0-2 loss to Southampton at home and have now lost 5 of their last 7 games. The Blues need to get back to winning ways as the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Sheffield United, and Manchester United are closing in on the much-coveted fourth place in the table.
Frank Lampard’s men travel to the Emirates to face another struggling side, Arsenal, on Sunday. The last time these two sides met in the league, Arsenal won the game 2-0 at the Emirates.
Let’s take a look at the probable Chelsea lineup for the game against Arsenal.
Team News
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will miss the game against Arsenal, while right-back Reece James will also not be available on Sunday due to an ankle injury.
Marcos Alonso will have a late fitness test to see if he is available for the game against Arsenal, while Mateo Kovacic will return from suspension.
Goalkeeper
Kepa will start in between the sticks for Chelsea against Arsenal.
Defence
It will be interesting to see if Lampard sticks to a three-man defence or reverts to a four-man backline.
Lampard could go for a four-man defence to have three central midfielders which he has preferred in the big games this season.
If he does go to a back four, Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma could start as the two central defenders.
Emerson and Marcos Alonso will then be fighting over the left-back role in the Chelsea lineup, while César Azpilicueta should also continue at right-back given Reece James’ injury.
Midfield
The return of Mateo Kovacic will give Lampard the option of playing three central midfielders. He could start alongside Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park.
Ross Barkley is an option in midfield, while Mason Mount – whose illness saw him miss out on a start – could also be in the running to play in midfield or on the wings in this system.
Attack
Christian Pulisic could return to the Chelsea lineup for the game against Arsenal, starting from the left side of attack. Willian will move over to the right flank in that case.
Tammy Abraham should start as the main striker for Chelsea despite facing a dip in form in the last month or so.
CHELSEA LINEUP
