Everyone can agree that at Arsenal nothing is to cherish about. But can Arteta and his boys pull out a trick from the hat and turn their fortunes? If they really want to, this is the game they would be craving for. A win at the Emirates against in form London club, Chelsea is what could turn their horror into fantasy.
Arteta, with a sword hanging around his neck, will look to repeat a result of last season’s FA Cup final. However, the task will not be easy this time around and would be nothing less than an upset considering Arsenal are blown with injury concerns and Chelsea are a team in form.
Here we predict how Arsenal could lineup to face the mighty Blues
Formation: (3-4-3)
In a game where the Gunners will be looking to sit back and get their best out on counters, this formation seems to be the perfect. They would rely on speed of their wing backs and wingers to cut open Chelsea defense who are short on wide defensive threats.
Defense
No Arsenal fan will be hoping to see Runarsson back in goal after his performance against Man City in the league cup. Leno will for sure regain his no.1 spot and will be most likely guarded by a 3 of Gabriel, Luiz and Tierney. David Luiz would be getting a nod either over Holding or Tierney due to his physical presence and also his connection with the rival London club. We prefer to see him over Holding due to the latter’s stars of fortune not in his favour.
Midfield
A key department where the game could be won or lost is the midfield. Arsenal’s key with the absence of Aubameyang could well be Bukayo Saka who will be starting as the left wing back. On the opposite flank will be the ever present Maitland-Niles who will have a tough task against Pulisic or Werner. In the middle will be the return of Granit Xhaka after his 3 game suspension and he will partner Elneny.
Attack
With Aubameyang ruled out and Martinelli being a major doubt, the responsibility on the wings will be of another ex-Chelsea star Willian along with Pepe. Willian has not picked up form this season but a goal against his former club could be an initiation to something big. Up front a tussle will be between Nketiah and Lacazette but due to the physical game of Chelsea center halves, we edge Laca to get the spot over Nketiah.
Arsenal Predicted XI: Leno; Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Maitland-Niles, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka; Pepe, Lacazette, Willian
