Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will travel to Stamford Bridge to face London rivals Chelsea on Wednesday. The visitors will be looking to get a win and keep themselves in the hunt for a Europa League spot.
As many as 12 points separate the two clubs going into the mid-week fixture and the Gunners will be optimistic about their chances as they defeated the Blues in their last two encounters.
In the reverse fixture in December, Arteta’s men ran out 3-1 winners. But things have changed considerably at Chelsea since that game as manager Thomas Tuchel has strengthened the Blues defence and made them a strong unit.
Ahead of the game against Chelsea, let’s take a look at the possible team that Arsenal could put out.
Team News
Mikel Arteta will be without the services of two of his centre-backs – David Luiz and Pablo Mari, for the game against Chelsea.
Midfield anchorman Granit Xhaka will also miss the game through injury, while Emile Smith Rowe could have a late fitness test after he suffered a hamstring injury in the game against West Bromwich Albion over the weekend.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Chelsea
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno had an easy game against West Brom on Sunday, but he will have a lot more work to do when he lines up against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Defence
The absence of both David Luiz and Pablo Mari means that Mikel Arteta has just three options at the heart of the defence – Gabriel, Rob Holding, and Calum Chambers. Chambers has primarily played as a right-back in Arteta’s team this season, so it’s likely that Gabriel and Holding will start at the back, as they did against West Brom.
Chambers could retain his place at right-back ahead of Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares to give the Gunners solidity at the back. Kieran Tierney could replace Bukayo Saka at left-back.
Midfield
Dani Ceballos could retain his place in the Arsenal lineup in the absence of Xhaka, while Thomas Partey could return to the Gunners lineup in place of Mohamed Elneny.
If Emile Smith Rowe is unavailable for selection, Arteta could bring back Martin Odegaard to the starting XI for the game against Chelsea.
Attack
It will be interesting to see who Arteta starts up front against Chelsea. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wasn’t involved in the game against West Brom, while Alexandre Lacazette was a second-half substitute.
Aubameyang could maybe get a start, while Saka could replace Willian on the right. Nicolas Pepe could retain his place on the left after his goal against West Brom.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Chelsea
