Arsenal take on Chelsea in a little over 3 hours. It’s a massive match for both teams as fourth take on fifth in one of the most important games of the season so far.
Here’s how we think The Gunners will line up.
GOALKEEPER
Petr Cech
Despite a quiet match versus Hull and conceding a disappointing penalty, Cech’s superiority aerially (in contrast to Ospina) as well as his strong stopping ability should see him start the match versus Chelsea.
DEFENCE
Hector Bellerin will keep his place at right back. There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the youngster’s future this week and Arsenal fans will be hoping he puts that behind him and has a big match against Eden Hazard.
Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi will be back for the Gunners after a tremendous performance against Hull last week. They were rested for the EFL tie and will be rejuvenated and ready to go.
Nacho Monreal will probably keep his left back spot. Kieran Gibbs will be hoping to retake Monreal’s place in the team over the coming months after the Spaniard’s shaky start to the season.
MIDFIELD
Santi Cazorla will keep his place in the starting lineup today. His linkup with Alexis and Ozil is just amazing sometimes. A regular penalty and sometimes free kick taker, the little magician should certainly hold a position in the squad.
Granit Xhaka may get his place for the derby. His excellent goals against Hull and Nottingham Forest could force Arsene Wenger to play him instead of Coquelin.
Mesut Ozil will undoubtedly keep his place in the starting lineup. He may not get as much freedom as he usually gets but this match will surely be a test from him and his skills.
ATTACK
Theo Walcott will undoubtedly start down the right hand side. The Englishman has scored some big goals against Chelsea in the past and will hope to do the same again tomorrow.
Alex Iwobi has been the best player whenever he has played for Arsenal this season. The Nigerian has been exceptional so far this season and Arsene Wenger will presumably go with what is already working.
Alexis Sanchez will start as a striker. As frustrating as it is, it’s probably the right decision to keep him up front for the Chelsea match. Sanchez isn’t exactly a natural striker but the current starting lineup has worked well in the last two matches and has played as a unit.
Complete Predicted line-up:
Cech, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Xhaka, Cazorla, Ozil, Iwobi, Walcott and Sanchez.
Bench: Ospina, Gabriel, Gibbs, Coquelin, Elneny, Chamberlain and Perez.
It will be a tough and more than likely physical match versus Chelsea. The above listed team provides Arsenal with the right combination of physicality and defensive security as well as creativity, speed and goal scoring efficiency to secure the three points.
It’s going to be a treat to see two of the division’s best operators in their respective roles operating in such close proximity today. So grab your popcorn and hope that Arsenal wins it this time.
