The anticipated lineups for the Arsenal vs Chelsea match are fascinating to examine as we approach this thrilling and potentially crucial London derby on Sunday.
UPCOMING — Preview, forecast, and viewing details for Arsenal vs Chelsea
Will Mikel Arteta opt for a more offensive lineup as his team strives to maintain their title challenge? Or will he choose a more measured strategy instead?
As Chelsea seeks to enhance their chances of finishing in the top four, could this be a chance for Liam Rosenior to alter the formation once more against Arsenal and aim to exploit counter-attacks?
Here are our anticipated lineups for Arsenal vs Chelsea, along with insights into the key choices and challenges facing Arteta and Rosenior.
Projected starting eleven for Arsenal
——- Arsenal vs Chelsea ——-
—- Timber —- Saliba —- Gabriel —- Hincapie —-
——- Arsenal vs Chelsea ——- Zubimendi ——-
——- Saka —- Odegaard —- Trossard ——
——- Arsenal vs Chelsea ——-
At this stage, the Arsenal defense seems set, with Arteta’s main worry being the management of right-back Jurrien Timber’s playing time. Given Ben White’s ongoing injury issues, he might opt for caution and allow Cristhian Mosquera some playing time, or even a starting role. In the midfield, the pairing of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will hold their positions, but the question remains: who will play in front of them? After returning from injury and biding his time, Martin Odegaard could be chosen to start and play around 60 minutes. It would be tough to exclude Eberechi Eze, especially after his impressive performance against Spurs last weekend, but it might be wise to utilize him as a substitute to exploit any openings that arise late in the match. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to start on the flanks again (Saka is likely to be fit), while Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke provide excellent options off the bench to challenge Chelsea in the latter stages. In-form Viktor Gyokeres will undoubtedly be the main attacking threat, with Gabriel Jesus available to either take his place or provide support in the second half, depending on the match situation.
Projected lineup for Chelsea
——- Sanchez vs Arsenal and Chelsea ——-
—— Jamie —— Tosin —— Chalobah —— Gusto ——
—— Andrey Santos —— Caicedo ——
—— Palmer —— Fernandez —— Neto ——
——- João Pedro ——-
Chelsea’s defense is currently a bit makeshift, with Wesley Fofana serving a suspension and Marc Cucurella sidelined due to injury. This situation likely paves the way for Tosin to step in at center back for Fofana, while Malo Gusto is fully capable of handling the left back position. If Fofana were fit, it would have been intriguing to see if Rosenior opted for a back three, similar to his strategy in the League Cup semifinal second leg against Arsenal. He might still consider that with the adaptable center back Josh Acheampong available, but it seems more probable that he will maintain a back four. The attacking quartet is expected to stay unchanged, as Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto have been generating numerous opportunities for Joao Pedro, who is in fantastic form and creating significant challenges with his intelligent movements and strong hold-up play. Chelsea will require more from Enzo Fernandez to push forward from a higher position to connect midfield and attack, and generally, their attacking midfielders need to be sharper in front of goal.
