Premier League high-flyers Chelsea will be looking to extend the difference between themselves and Manchester United in fifth place when they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this midweek. The two sides faced off against each other on the last league gameweek of 2019, and Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side were able to squeeze out a rather motivating 2-1 away victory in North London.
The Blues are coming into this tie on the back of a disappointing loss to Newcastle United on the weekend, where despite putting up a dominant performance, they have been unable to break the Magpies down. To rub salt into Chelsea’s wounds, Issac Hayden even scored a 94th-minute winner to steal the points. Lampard is sure to be looking for a response from his players after that pathetic result, and a London Derby could be just the occasion he needs.
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The biggest blow that Lampard has had to deal with over the last week is the adductor injury picked up by American superstar Christian Pulisic. The youngster isn’t expected back until the middle of February, making him a miss. Also, Marcos Alonso remains a doubt for the tie, but the injury to Reece James on Saturday could force him back into the team. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marco Van Ginkel are both still nursing long-term issues.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Arsenal
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Kepa Arizzabalaga has been the subject of a lot of criticism after the Blues’ most recent defeat against the Magpies, but despite this, the Spaniard is sure to keep his place between the sticks for this visit by the Gunners. In front of him, Lampard could opt to go with a back three for added protection, with French centre-half Kurt Zouma expected to make his return to this side alongside Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic could be preferred to Jorginho and Ross Barkley this midweek, with the duo set to operate from just in front of the centre-halves. The Blues’ main attacking outlet is surely going to be down the flanks with Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta tasked with the wing-back roles. The former, who has been out injured in recent weeks, could be forced back into the side in the absence of Reece James.
Attack
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s sustained run in the Chelsea first-team is set to continue as the injury to Pulisic is sure to keep the American out at least until the end of the month. This means that the youngster will be deployed down the right flank, thereby creating space on the left for Brazilian veteran Willian. Tammy Abraham will be tasked with leading the line, and he is sure to be eager about getting back on the scoresheet this midweek.
