Mikel Arteta’s job will be at stake as Arsenal lock horns with Chelsea on Boxing Day this year. It could be a poetic departure for the Gunners’ boss, should his side slump to yet another defeat, given the fact that Arteta truly kickstarted his reign at Emirates with a comeback performance against Chelsea around a year ago. However, the hosts will be determined to bounce back to winning ways as they look to put an end to their seven-game winless streak in the Premier League.
Predicted 3-4-3 Arsenal Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
Arsenal were thrashed in midweek by Manchester City, but the game also saw Mikel Arteta resting a host of his key first-team starters. We can expect the Spaniard to revert those changes, although Gabriel Magalhaes is likely to retain his place in the side as the Brazilian is available after missing the last league game due to suspension.
Gabriel should be partnered by Rob Holding in central defence, with Kieran Tierney providing the additional defensive support from the left-back position. Although the Scot does have the freedom of venturing forward, he is more likely to attain a defensive role against a Chelsea side who simply love to attack the opposition.
Meanwhile, there will certainly be a change in goal as Bernd Leno looks to replace Runar Alex Runarsson, who made a massive howler in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek.
Midfield
Arsenal are set to be boosted by the return of Granit Xhaka this weekend and the Swiss international is a favourite to get back into the starting lineup. He is most likely to replace the ineffective Dani Ceballos. It essentially means Mohamed Elneny should retain his place in the side, though purely due to the absence of Thomas Partey.
Elsewhere, Hector Bellerin should replace Cedric Soares at right wing-back, while Bukayo Saka looks set to come in at the expense of Sead Kolasinac on the opposite flank as Arteta looks to ring in the changes.
Attack
Doubts remain over the fitness and availability of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang heading into this game while Gabriel Martinelli is likely to miss out after suffering yet another injury in the midweek fixture, soon after his return to full fitness.
It should force Arteta to continue with Alexandre Lacazette upfront, with Nicolas Pepe and Willian offering support from the wider attacking areas. Alternatively, one of the two wingers could be benched as well in favour of Saka, thus paving the way for Maitland-Niles to start at left wingback.
