Arsenal’s Expected Lineup vs Chelsea: Team News and Tactical Decisions
Arsenal prepares to take on Chelsea in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday, with a mix of encouraging comebacks and lingering injury concerns shaping Mikel Arteta’s squad selection.
Saka Absent, Martinelli Poised for a Return
Bukayo Saka remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Although he is making steady progress, he is not expected to feature against Chelsea and is instead targeting a return after the international break when Arsenal faces Fulham.
“He’s getting closer, making very good progress,” Arteta noted. “We’ll see how he reintegrates with the team and how quickly he regains match fitness.”
On a positive note, Gabriel Martinelli is pushing for a place in the starting XI after recovering from his injury. The Brazilian winger, who has made substitute appearances in recent matches, is now in contention for his first start in over a month.
Defensive and Midfield Considerations
Arteta made significant rotations during Arsenal’s recent Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven. With the London derby approaching, the focus shifts to restoring key players to the lineup.
Ben White, still regaining full fitness after knee surgery, may not be risked, potentially allowing Jurrien Timber to start at right-back. On the left side of the defense, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who recently received an England call-up, is competing with Riccardo Calafiori for a place in the starting XI.
In midfield, Declan Rice is expected to be a crucial presence, providing Arsenal with stability against a Chelsea side that has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. Rice is likely to be joined by Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey in a three-man midfield.
Arsenal’s Expected Formation and Lineup
Arsenal is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, featuring David Raya in goal and a backline of Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and either Lewis-Skelly or Calafiori. The midfield trio should consist of Ødegaard, Partey, and Rice, while the attack is expected to see Leandro Trossard leading the line, with Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Martinelli on the left.
Projected Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.
With Arsenal aiming to stay in the title race and Chelsea seeking to build momentum, the highly anticipated London derby at the Emirates promises an exciting contest between two fierce rivals.
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