Mikel Arteta will be facing yet another stern test when Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to lock horns with Chelsea in the highly anticipated London derby on Tuesday. The Gunners are coming on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, which has stretched their winless streak to two games in all competitions. Hence, a win could be imperative as they look to continue their recovery in the second half of the campaign.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
There are a few obvious absentees from this game including Calum Chambers and Kieran Tierney, both of whom aren’t expected back anytime soon, with the former suffering from an ACL injury.
However, Hector Bellerin could finally return to action, after being included in the bench against Sheffield United. He could replace Ainsley Maitland-Niles at right-back. Sead Kolasinac, meanwhile, remains a doubt after missing the last game. We expect the Bosnian to return the side, but Bukayo Saka is in line to deputise for him on the opposite flank, in case he once again misses out.
At centre-back, Sokratis will be hoping to return after missing the Sheffield United game due to illness. He is set to replace Shkodran Mustafi and partner David Luiz at the heart of Arsenal’s four-man backline.
There is no one replacing Bernd Leno in goal. But, the German will be keen not to repeat the mistake he had made in the reverse fixture back in December.
Midfield
Lucas Torreira was not feeling well ahead of the Sheffield United clash. But, he was given a berth in the starting lineup nonetheless. He even played the full ninety minutes, and so we would expect the Uruguayan international to retain his place in central midfield.
Torreira could partner Granit Xhaka at the base of Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1, and it will be interesting to see how the duo takes on the Chelsea midfield that has underperformed in recent weeks.
Attack
Arteta will be without the services of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is facing a three-match suspension. That should pave the way for Gabriel Martinelli to retain his place at left-wing while Nicolas Pepe is a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank.
Dani Ceballos is yet to feature under Arteta since returning to full fitness earlier this month. It remains to be seen whether the Arsenal boss plans to utilise his quality in this midweek fixture. However, it is Mesut Ozil who is likely to retain his place in the number ten role, ahead of the Spaniard.
And finally, the Arsenal attack will be led by Alexandre Lacazette, who will be keen on extending his scoring tally, especially with Aubameyang suspended.
