Predicted Arsenal line-up to face Chelsea in the Premier League
Arsenal will be aiming to hit back after a timid performance against West Ham when they face Chelsea at the Emirates this Saturday evening. Unai Emery’s men delivered their worst performance of the season against the Hammers as they struggled for intensity in their play. Few were questioning the selection of the manager as well.
That result had left the Gunners six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who they play next. Hence, in a sense, if the north Londoners are to finish in the top four, this is a must-win game for them. However, it won’t be easy against the Blues, who have a better defence and can exploit the openness of the Arsenal back-line.
Team News
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still out due to his foot injury and is expected to return in February. Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are out for the season.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Bernd Leno (GK)
The German has tried his best but a poor defence in front of him isn’t helping him to keep clean sheets. He is now the first-choice keeper in the team though.
Shkodran Mustafi (RCB)
He needs to bring his A game this weekend or Arsenal might concede goals at home again.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)
The Greek has had a decent season so far but his form has slightly dipped in the last few weeks. An improved performance is needed against Chelsea.
Nacho Monreal (LCB)
He is back fit and should start as the left-sided centre-back, partly because his experience would be key in such a big game and partly because Koscielny still doesn’t look 100% since returning from long-term injury.
Hector Bellerin (RWB)
The Spaniard is fully fit now and should start at right wing-back. His pace up and down the wing would be key in a high-intensity game.
Lucas Torreira (CM)
It was baffling to see the Uruguayan on the bench against West Ham last week. The manager needs to start him in every game if they are to finish in the top four.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
The Swiss’ error against the Hammers cost his team the goal. He has been doing well in the midfield but the errors have to be removed from his game.
Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
The Bosnian is a powerful runner up and down the pitch on the left-hand side. He needs to be on his toes against a dangerous Chelsea side.
Alex Iwobi (LAM)
The Nigerian was probably the best attacker on the pitch last week. He is expected to keep his place in the team.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (RAM)
He is one of the in-form strikers in the league and Chelsea defenders will be wary of his runs into the box and finishing ability.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman links up well with Aubameyang when the pair starts together. The duo will be aiming to do the same on Saturday.
