Arsenal are hoping to make a late push for a top-six finish as they take on Chelsea on Wednesday. The Gunners earned a bit of respite with a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on the weekend and now have the opportunity to extend their Premier League winning run to three games, up against their London rivals, who are coming on the back of a 2-1 win over Manchester City.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
While Mikel Arteta does normally like to rotate his squad, it remains unlikely that he would want to make too many changes from the side that secured a 3-1 win over West Brom on the weekend.
Calum Chambers, for one, should get the nod ahead of Hector Bellerin at right-back, as he offers better defensive solidity that could be useful against Chelsea’s attacking threat out wide.
Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding should also continue their partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s four-man backline ahead of Pablo Mari, while David Luiz is out injured and will probably won’t play for the Gunners again.
One change in defence, though, could see Kieran Tierney replacing Bukayo Saka at left-back. The Scot is the more natural option, and his ability to drift in as a centre-back could be useful against a Chelsea side that operates with a three-man backline.
Bernd Leno, meanwhile, remains a guaranteed starter in goal, despite failing to keep the clean sheet against West Brom on the weekend.
Midfield
Arteta might want to recall Thomas Partey in this important fixture, as the Ghanaian’s robust style of play, coupled with his technical prowess, will be important in dealing with the Blues this midweek.
The former Atletico Madrid star should be partnered by Dani Ceballos, as Granit Xhaka remains a doubt after picking up an injury just before the Villarreal game last week. Xhaka’s return to the bench could be the best-case scenario for Arsenal this week.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was not used at all in the recent win over West Brom. However, Arteta’s rotation policy should see him replacing Gabriel Martinelli in the number nine role.
Elsewhere, Saka should shift to his favoured right-wing slot, replacing Willian while Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe could continue in the creative unit in light of their excellent performances in the last few matches.
