Gabriel Martinelli and Piero Hincapie start for Arsenal against Chelsea, as football.london predicts line-up from Mikel Arteta
Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, looking to move nine points clear of their London rivals, who have enjoyed an excellent run of form of late. The Gunners, too, have responded to their draw perfectly with wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.
Yet the clash with the Blues is being billed by many as their toughest test of the week after Enzo Maresca’s side put three past Barcelona on Tuesday evening. The extra day’s break might too give Chelsea something of a slight edge in addition to their home advantage.
Arteta was able to rotate a couple of his typical starters in midweek; however, he has some tough decisions to make alongside welcoming back other stars while also dealing with a new injury to Leandro Trossard. Here is how football.london expects the Gunners to line up.
David Raya
The Spaniard was beaten from close range by Lennart Karl and had very little to say about it. A clean sheet at Stamford Bridge will be quite the achievement for Raya, something not achieved in the last three matches.
Jurrien Timber
Europe’s best right-back, or so is being claimed after the Dutchman’s goal and performance against Bayern Munich.
William Saliba
The Frenchman has coped well in the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, but could again see his partner changed from the Wednesday night clash.
Piero Hincapie
Switching back in after Cristhian Mosquera did well against Bayern. The Ecuador international has enjoyed a week’s rest after a lot of starts for club and country.
Riccardo Calafiori
Back into the team having come off the bench to help Arsenal beat Bayern, with a perfect cross to Noni Madueke from the left wing back role.
Martin Zubimendi
Anchoring the midfield as usual, Martin Zubimendi continues to impress while still managing to go relatively under the radar.
Declan Rice
No such anonymity is enjoyed by Declan Rice, however, who will be expected to again be the key figurehead for the Gunners in another massive game.
Eberechi Eze
Martin Odegaard is gradually coming back to the team, but he will have a tough time replacing Eberechi Eze, whose form has hit its latest peak at his new club.
Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal talisman will renew a personal rivalry with Marc Cucurella, which has become a regular point of interest in this particular London derby.
Mikel Merino
While not having a recognised striker, Mikel Merino has been a glorious replacement at centre-forward and has already logged himself a goal against the Blues
Gabriel Martinelli
With Leandro Trossard injured, the Brazilian came on and scored against Bayern, and has a great record against Chelsea, despite this not being a player Mikel Arteta leaned on, particularly, as he admitted in his pre-match press conference.
