Arsenal expected XI vs Chelsea as Mikel Arteta recalls six players

Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reunion against Chelsea

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today and Mikel Arteta will largely stick with a winning formula. The Gunners will confirm top spot in the Premier League at the end of the weekend with a victory in west London. With six changes expected from the Europa League win over FC Zurich, Express Sport looks at how Arteta will line up.

Goalkeeper – Ramsdale

Only two goalkeepers have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League this season than Aaron Ramsdale. He has conceded just one goal in his last five appearances in all competitions.

Matt Turner remained absent in midweek due to a groin injury. Karl Hein will therefore likely be named as the substitute goalkeeper today.

Defence – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney

Takehiro Tomiyasu has been preferred at left-back in the last four league matches. However, the Japan star suffered an injury against Zurich and may not be fit for this one.

Kieran Tierney could keep his place in the side after impressing in midweek. Oleksandr Zinchenko is back fit but perhaps is not ready to start.

Ben White and Gabriel both played in the Europa League clash and will keep their spots. William Saliba will slot into the middle of defence in place of Rob Holding.

DON’T MISS
Gary Neville given brutal TV dressing down over Qatar World Cup role
Arsenal boss Arteta has two stars ruled out with injuries for Chelsea clash
Liverpool ‘put three players up for sale’ as Klopp eyes January clear out

Midfield – Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka

The entirety of Arsenal’s midfield will change from Thursday. Thomas Partey will replace Mohamed Elneny as the deeper-lying member of the trio.

Arteta has settled on a successful formula and won’t change it unless forced. Granit Xhaka is back available after being suspended in midweek.

Martin Odegaard will skipper the side in place of Fabio Vieira.

Attack – Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

The same attacking trio have started every Premier League match so far this season. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli were handed a breather from the start against Zurich and will come back into the side for this one.

Gabriel Jesus played an hour on Thursday and again failed to get on the scoresheet. But he is providing a lot more to Arteta’s side that ensures he remains in the XI.

Jesus, Saka and Martinelli are joint-top scorers for Arsenal this season. They all have five strikes to their name so far.

Arsenal expected XI vs Chelsea in full: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our new Facebook group by clicking here

Source: Read Full Article