Mikel Arteta, Assistant Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Oxford United and Manchester City at Kassam Stadium on December 18, 2019 in Oxford, England. (Getty Images)
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[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Chelsea: Can the Gunners beat long-time rivals?

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Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction: Arsenal predicted line-up

A struggling Arsenal welcome an inconsistent Chelsea in a crucial game for both sides at the Emirates on Sunday.

Arsenal, led by new boss Mikel Arteta, were far from impressive in his first game as Gunners manager, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea also has not been in the best of forms, with his side suffering a 0-2 loss to Southampton at home.

However, Arteta has a tougher task at hand as his side currently sits a lowly 11th in the league compared to Lampard’s Chelsea, who despite their recent losses are still safely sitting fourth in the table.

Team news

Centre-back Sokratis might mostly sit out after picking up a head injury against Cherries in the last game.

Left-backs Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have been completely ruled out from the fixture as they are yet to fully recover from their injuries.

Arsenal left-back Sead Kolasinac remains ruled out due to injury.
Arsenal left-back Sead Kolasinac remains ruled out due to injury. (Getty Images)

Dani Ceballos, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Gabriel Martinelli, who recently returned to training, meanwhile, remain a doubt and would be playing if announced fit.

Predicted Arsenal line-up

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Bernd Leno (GK)

Had a rather average game last time against Cherries and has saved the Gunners during numerous occasions this season. He is sure to start.

Arsenal first keeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal first keeper Bernd Leno. (Getty Images)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)

With Bellerin still doubtful to start, the youngster would most probably be preferred, especially since they are short of options in that role.

Calum Chambers (CB)

After sitting out in the stalemate against Bournemouth due to suspension, Chambers could be seen returning to action in place of the injured Sokratis.

David Luiz (CB)

Arteta’s homecoming does not seem to have had much effect on the veteran, as he still looks way past his prime, but is sure to feature.

David Luiz in action for Arsenal against Brighton and Hove Albion.
David Luiz in action for Arsenal against Brighton and Hove Albion. (Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka (LB)

With both their left-backs sure not to play, Saka might start his third game in a row. The teenager is good going upfront but has to improve his defence.

Granit Xhaka (CM)

Arteta seemed to have made his intentions known by starting the experienced Xhaka and would be featuring him once again in the middle.

Lucas Torreira (CM)

The midfielder does have talent as it was evident during brief spells in the game against the Cherries, but at times has looked clueless.

Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira.
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira. (Getty Images)

Reiss Nelson (RW)

The youngster took his chances well and played his part in Arsenal’s equaliser with a deflected shot which fell to skipper Aubameyang.

Mesut Ozil (CAM)

After a long time, the German once again looked like his former self in Arteta’s managerial debut with his slick passing and movements off the ball

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)

Saved the blushes for the Gunners with an equaliser. He proved his credential as an excellent finisher by lunging on to Nelson’s deflected shot.

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Alexandre Lacazette (ST)

Like Xhaka, Lacazette also seems to be favoured by the manager. He likes to play with his back to the goal which gives other attackers space in the box.