Predicted Arsenal XI: Chelsea (H)
Arsenal host Chelsea in a crunch London derby that could go a long way in deciding who will be in the top four come the end of this season. The Gunners are currently in fifth position, six points behind the fourth-placed Blues.
Hence, saying that this is probably a must-win game for the home side wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Unai Emery’s men were well below-par last week against West Ham and deserved to lose that game.
Arsenal have been short of defenders in the past few weeks, but the good news is that all of them are back in full training and should be available for selection. The dilemma of Mesut Ozil is something that cannot be opinionated on at the moment.
They will be up against a Chelsea side who haven’t been convincing in the previous few games too. However, the difference is that they are managing to win games.
Here’s how we think Emery will line his team up for the game:
GK - Bernd Leno
A first-choice keeper in the team and starts every league game.
RCB - Skhodran Mustafi
The German needs to raise his game against the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian, etc.
CB - Sokratis
The Greek has been a decent addition to the squad this season. His presence in defence would be vital tomorrow.
LCB- Laurent Koscielny
His experience will be massive in a game of this magnitude. The Frenchman is slowly getting back to his 100% fitness as well.
RWB - Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard is back to full fitness and should start this game.
CM - Lucas Torreira
Surprisingly enough, the Uruguayan did not start the previous game. He is Arsenal’s best midfielder at the moment and must start every league game.
CM - Granit Xhaka
He has had a decent season so far, but the Swiss needs to cut down on his errors count.
LWB - Sead Kolasinac
The left wing-back role suits the Bosnian. He can then make runs in behind the defence with more freedom, knowing that there are three centre-backs covering.
LAM - Alex Iwobi
Iwobi was Arsenal’s best player against West Ham in a losing cause. He should start this game and look to link up with Lacazette.
RAM - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
He is one of in-form strikers in the league and Chelsea defenders will be vary of him.
ST - Alexandre Lacazette
The Frenchman plays better in a link up with Aubameyang up top.
Should Mesut Ozil start this game?
YES
NO
