After a two-week hiatus, Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday evening as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea for a London derby.
The Gunners entered the international break in a buoyant mood following their 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected late winner. They are one of only two teams in the Premier League still unbeaten after eight fixtures, level points and goal difference with Tottenham but inferior goals scored tally keeps Mikel Arteta’s side behind their bitter north London rivals.
After securing a huge triumph psychologically before the break, Arteta’s Arsenal will now be hoping to extend their unbeaten start to the season and get a result at Chelsea, who come into this fixture off the back of a 4-1 crushing of Burnley.
Arsenal Team News
William Saliba and Leandro Trossard pulled out of France and Belgium duty respectively to help recover from their own injury concerns. However, Arteta remained coy on Saliba and Trossard’s availability during the pre-match press conference.
Bukayo Saka missed the game against Man City after suffering a hamstring problem against RC Lens in the Champions League. The English winger withdrew from international duty in order to recover from injury and there is a chance of him being fit in time to face Chelsea.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David Raya had a shaky first half against Man City but looked composed after the break and managed to keep a clean sheet. The Spaniard is set to start again in Arsenal’s goal.
Defence
Although Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the availability of William Saliba, we expect the Frenchman to be fit to face Chelsea. Saliba should continue his formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White operating as full-backs.
The Arsenal backline will need to be switched on throughout the game to keep an exciting Chelsea attack at bay.
Midfield
Fit-again Thomas Partey is vying for a start, and the Ghanaian could replace Jorginho at the base of Arsenal’s midfield from the last game. With Partey acting as a No.6, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will enjoy the freedom to push forward and create openings in the final third for their teammates.
The trio will be responsible for keeping things ticking over for the Gunners, with Kai Havertz hopeful of making an impact off the bench.
Attack
Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit in time to start against Chelsea. Arguably Arsenal’s most important player, the England international will be raring to put in a starring show at Stamford Bridge after missing out against Man City. Gabriel Martinelli should be recalled in the first XI after his impactful substitute appearance against City, with Leandro Trossard dropping out.
Gabriel Jesus should get the nod over Eddie Nketiah to lead the Arsenal attack against Pochettino’s side.
