Two big changes | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Chelsea
Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge for today’s Premier League derby against Chelsea.
The Gunners have been in poor form over the past few weeks, picking up just one point from their previous three league games.
The club also suffered their first loss of the Champions League campaign in midweek.
Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a good performance against Inter Milan away from home, but the Nerazzurri won 1-0 with a goal from the penalty spot.
Arsenal are already ten points behind league leaders Liverpool after yesterday’s results and today’s game is a must-win to stay in the title pursuit.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been exceptional between the sticks with stand-out saves. He will be hoping for a clean sheet at Chelsea.
The defence should stay unchanged from the Nerazzurri loss. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are guaranteed to continue at full-back.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are nailed-on starters in the heart of the backline.
Mikel Merino had a tough opening half at the San Siro where he also conceded a penalty. He was also unlucky, having been denied a penalty of his own.
The Spaniard could drop to the bench as Declan Rice should reclaim his midfield position alongside Thomas Partey in a must-win game for Arsenal.
Rice suffered a broken toe at Newcastle United. Arteta was unclear about his fitness, but the Englishman should return in the centre of the park.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to continue on the flanks.
Kai Havertz suffered a nasty cut on his head in midweek. The German should get the nod to lead the attack, provided he is deemed fit to make the game.
The only change in attack could come in the number ten role, with Leandro Trossard making way for Martin Odegaard’s first start since his ankle ligament injury.
The Norwegian ace had just five minutes on Wednesday, but Arteta could unleash him with the Gunners desperately in need of more creativity.
How Arsenal could line up vs Chelsea