Arsenal will look to polish their Premier League title credentials on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
The Gunners have moved down to second place after Man City’s last gasp win against Fulham, but will regain top-spot with a win against the London blues. They have dropped just five points all season and have won four of their last five league games, with Mikel Arteta’s side thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
The north Londoners picked up a narrow 1-0 win over FC Zurich on Thursday to ensure the top spot in their Europa League group, and will head to Chelsea with great momentum.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will assess Takehiro Tomiyasu ahead of the Chelsea game after he limped off during Thursday’s Europa League win over FC Zurich. Bukayo Saka and Oleksandr Zinchenko handed a double injury boost to Mikel Arteta’s side after returning to the bench against the Swiss side.
Mohamed Elneny was a surprising sight in the Gunners’ starting XI on Thursday following his recovery from a thigh injury well ahead of schedule.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale is a certainty to feature in between the sticks for Arsenal. He will need to come up with big saves when called upon at the weekend.
Defence
William Saliba will function alongside Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defence in the Arsenal lineup as they try to maintain a tight shape and keep Aubameyang quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
Ben White has cemented his place at right-back with impressive displays this term and deserves to start in the Arsenal lineup at Stamford Bridge, with Kieran Tierney, who scored the winner against FC Zurich in midweek, continuing at left-back.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey will anchor the midfield for the Gunners as they focus on dominating possession on the pitch while disrupting Chelsea’s rhythm. With Partey acting as the screen to Arsenal’s backline, Xhaka should get the opportunity to make late box-to-box runs and cause problems to the opposition’s backline.
The creative hub of this Arsenal side, Martin Odegaard will look to exploit little spaces in behind the Chelsea midfielders and create opportunities for his teammates in the final third.
Mohamed Elneny, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira will offer cover off the bench in midfield positions.
Attack
Despite his goal-scoring form dipping in recent games, Gabriel Jesus is guaranteed to lead the charge for the Gunners on the attacking end of the pitch. He will fancy his chances against a shaky Chelsea backline.
Bukayo Saka came off the bench against FC Zurich after recovering from a minor calf problem but is expected to be handed a start on the right flank in the Arsenal lineup, with Gabriel Martinelli hoping to terrorise the opposition defence with his pace and trickery.
In Eddie Nketiah, Arteta will have an attacking option on the bench who can provide energy and goals for his side.