Arsenal will host Chelsea in a crucial midweek clash as the Gunners aim to extend their lead at the top of the table, even though rivals Manchester City have a game in hand.
Can Arsenal overcome midblock woes against Chelsea?
The Gunners have struggled against a midblock lately, with all of Wolves, Aston Villa, and Bayern Munich opting for similar tactics that saw Arsenal struggle in multiple facets of the game. Wide centre-backs on the buildups see the Gunners struggle to keep their intense press up top, while midblocks take away the creative opportunities that the Gunners thrive on.
While Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea would have studied the Gunners struggles and will likely have his team practicing their discipline at the Cobham training center, it is still a difficult feat to visit the Emirates Stadium at its peak.
While Arsenal play just a couple of days after their 2-0 win against Gary O’Neil’s Wolves, Chelsea travel north following their loss against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals. One plays for pride while the others play for glory in what is shaping up to be an exciting London derby.
Here’s how Arsenal should lineup against Chelsea
Goalkeeper: David Raya
The Spaniard’s position has been a bit controversial following his transfer from Brentford, which put an end to Aaron Ramsdale’s reins in charge of the gloves at Arsenal. Raya has been splendid with the ball at his feet and claiming crosses. He is likely between the sticks and statistically win the golden glove for the 2023–24 Premier League season if he were to keep a clean sheet against the West Londoners.
Defence: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu
While Ben White keeps his place at the right back alongside the dynamic duo of Saliba and Gabriel, Japan international Tomiyasu may come in for Jakub Kiwior.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have played left-back roulette based on their opponents and the expected style of play they are facing. Kiwior played a decent game against Wolves, while Tomiyasu could be a more mobile fit in the back line to face Chelsea. The Blues like to play with their wingers and an offensive running full back; having to face a Plamer-Gusto duo, Tomiyasu could be a good option.
Midfield: Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard
One of the solutions to being back the pressing menace would be having Declan Rice cover the midfield while Odegaard can press the wide centre back and Partey can sit in the base to cover unexpected slip-ups.
Partey can also help break blocks, as he is the most vertical passer that Arsenal has on their roster.
Although, Ghana’s international inclusion depends heavily on his fitness and whether he has a potential 70 minutes of full throttle in him,.
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli
Both Saka and Martinelli have thrived against Chelsea in the past, and that success may well continue this Tuesday. While Trossard has been phenomenal off late, Martinelli could be given the nod to free his feet against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Kai Havertz should line up up top in a striker-cum-false-nine position, something he has done well this season. An aerial ball to Kai could be an easy way to break through Chelsea’s block if they opt to play similarly to Bayern and Villa.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea
David Raya, Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Maghalaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
