TheSportsRush brings the predicted Arsenal XI vs Chelsea, as Unai Emery looks to put the City defeat past him.
Arsenal and Unai Emery visit west London to take on Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge will play host to the season’s opening London Derby. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City last weekend.
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six against Chelsea and will be looking to extend their run this weekend. We take a look at Emery’s potential lineup that will be vested with the task of bringing all three points home.
DEFENCE
Petr Cech put on a poor performance against Manchester City. However, Unai Emery has confirmed that the former Chelsea goalie will get the nod against his former side despite Bernd Leno’s availability.
Sokratis and Mustafi did their level best to hold a resolute Man City attack, but failed. Yet, the Greek and German will be the likely pairing at central defence. Hector Bellerin’s speed at right back could be vital in bypassing Chelsea’s midfield and the Spaniard could start. Injuries to Kolasinac and Maitland-Niles mean that Nacho Monreal will be given the nod after being declared fit from injury.
Danny Welbeck has also been experimented at left back in training as per Arsenal’s boss, so the England forward starting in an unusual position shouldn’t be considered a shock.
MIDFIELD
Arsenal will go with a three-man midfield in all probability. Mateo Guendouzi might have been praised for his valiant display against Manchester City, but the shortcomings of not playing an experienced midfielder were clearly on the show. Lucas Torreira played a few minutes and looked solid, and hence can be given his first Premier League start against Chelsea.
Stopping the likes of Jorginho and Kovacic will require a strong midfielder. Granit Xhaka’s profile suits Arsenal’s requirement and the Swiss could be handed a start against the Blues. Aaron Ramsey comes up with moments of magic on the big days. Hence, he could be the trusted one to occupy the third midfield spot up for grabs.
ATTACK
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been a thorn in most sides since his arrival from Manchester United last winter. The Armenian has been providing assists at well and linked up with superbly with former Borussia Dortmund teammate Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang. Both the ex-Dortmund players are likely to start with Mkhi handling duties on the left and Auba playing down the right. Mesut Ozil starting at right wing is a no-brainer in a fixture as important as this one.
Arsenal line-up
Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Sokratis, Monreal; Torreira, Xhaka, Ramsey; Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Ozil
