Mikel Arteta has some tough decisions to make regarding his Arsenal line-up for the clash against Chelsea – as football.london’s writers have their say on who should start at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal could continue their fine record against London rivals Chelsea if they manage to secure another victory at Stamford Bridge. Having won five of the last seven, drawing the other two, they have an excellent unbeaten streak.
Yet there are still some question marks about the potential line-ups for the game. Mikel Arteta has several choices, including who partners with William Saliba and who might replace the injured Leandro Trossard.
Below, football.london’s writers have their say on the side that Arteta should name to face Chelsea;
Tom Canton
Arsenal come off the back of two fantastic results with real momentum and quality. Having the chance to go to Chelsea with such weight behind them is ideal, but there are still some decisions to be made.
For me, I would bring back a fully-rested Piero Hincapie into the defence. While Cristhian Mosquera impressed, the rotation of this side needs to be continued.
On the left, Gabriel Martinelli’s record against Chelsea speaks for itself, and the Brazilian had an excellent cameo against Bayern Munich, too. Noni Madueke, however, can be a real impact player on the night, and his reception will be a talking point, too.
Tom Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Ryan Taylor
It’s the mark of a great team when the starting XI virtually picks itself.
Leandro Trossard’s injury does throw a small spanner in the works, and it’s tough to pick between Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli for a starting berth. Madueke played more minutes, and I’d give him the nod with Martinelli to make an impact from the subs bench.
I’d also go for Piero Hincapie at centre-back alongside William Saliba, with Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori making up the back-four.
Eberechi Eze starts, too, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield, with Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino completing the attack.
This match could be about subs, too, if Viktor Gyokeres is back, I’d expect him to start on the bench and, maybe, get some minutes depending on how the game is going.
Ryan Taylor’s Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Madueke, Merino
