Predicted Arsenal Line-up To Face Chelsea In The Premier League
Arsenal are set to welcome Chelsea to the Emirates stadium in an intense Premier League clash on Wednesday. The Blues will be desperate to win this game after temporarily gracing the 2nd place in the points table. However, the Gunners have enjoyed a decent run against the defending champions and even beat them in the final to win the FA Cup last season. This match will be equally important for Arsene Wenger’s men to get closer to 4th-placed Liverpool.
Team News
Alexis Sanchez is expected to start even though his future continues to be uncertain. Mesut Ozil could be back after missing out on the game against West Brom. Sead Kolasinac is likely to sit this one out after he was forced off injured while Jack Wilshere is also expected to start. The likes of Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey, and Nacho Monreal will miss out along with Laurent Koscielny, who has almost been ruled out by Arsene Wenger.
Probable Arsenal XI
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Formation: 3-4-3
Petr Cech (GK)
Cech continues to be a solid presence for Arsenal in goal and will face his former team on Wednesday.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Mustafi is known for using his aggression to nullify opposition threat and he will prove to be a crucial player at the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Per Mertesacker (CB)
Koscielny’s inclusion continues to be doubtful and Wenger may not be ready to start his star defender until he is completely fit, thus making it likely for him to deploy Mertesacker instead.
Calum Chambers (CB)
Chambers has been decent enough and knows to work well with his teammates at the back. The game against Chelsea will be a big one and if selected, it will be a good opportunity for the player to prove his worth.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (LWB)
With Kolasinac’s fitness under the scanner, Maitland-Niles should take up this role. The youngster garnered a lot of attention for his prolific displays and could be important against Chelsea.
Hector Bellerin (RWB)
Bellerin has struggled to get ahead this season but as far basic defensive duties go, he has been decent enough and that should earn him a starting spot on Wednesday.
Jack Wilshere (CM)
With Ramsey out indefinitely, Wilshere has received quite some time on the field and has done well. Facing Chelsea will be a major test of his capabilities after returning from the dreadful injury.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Xhaka has been relatively quiet for the Gunners this season but he does his work in the middle decently enough and has partnered quite well with Wilshere, which could see him start in his usual role.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
Sanchez is a key player for Arsenal but he is clearly interested in an exit. The ongoing January window might allow him to do that but until then, he is likely to start for Arsenal against Chelsea.
Mesut Ozil (RW)
Ozil sat out the game against West Brom and Iwobi played in his place. However, the Gunners clearly missed him and his creativity will be instrumental for the club if they are to beat the Blues.
Alexandre Lacazette (CF)
After failing to score against West Brom, Lacazette is likely to be determined to score against the defending champions and Wenger will need him to be at his sharpest on Wednesday.