By Danong
Arsenal versus Chelsea is the standout Premier League fixture this weekend as the two sides renew their rivalry.Had all gone according to plan, this fixture would have been one to edge Arsenal closer to league glory.
However, sitting 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool, it has now become just another must-win game to ensure Arsenal finish as high as possible. But also to make sure that a champions league place is secured.
Ahead of the match, Paul Merson shared his thoughts on why this is a critical game for Mikel Arteta and his team. The ex-Gunner has warned that failing to secure all three points in this derby could throw Arsenal into a battle for a top-four finish.
Merson, however, doesn’t see Chelsea as a significant threat to Arsenal, pointing out that Cole Palmer has struggled without Nicolas Jackson. With Palmer less effective, Chelsea have not been at their best.
That said, Arsenal still approach the game with injury concerns in attack. According to Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Martinelli is not yet fit enough to start matches.
Ahead of the match, Paul Merson shared his thoughts on why this is a critical game for Mikel Arteta and his team. The ex-Gunner has warned that failing to secure all three points in this derby could throw Arsenal into a battle for a top-four finish.
Merson, however, doesn’t see Chelsea as a significant threat to Arsenal, pointing out that Cole Palmer has struggled without Nicolas Jackson. With Palmer less effective, Chelsea have not been at their best.
That said, Arsenal still approach the game with injury concerns in attack. According to Mikel Arteta, Gabriel Martinelli is not yet fit enough to start matches.
Speaking about the Brazilian, Arteta commented, “With Gabi, we have more options, but we have to manage the load. He’s a bit ahead of schedule, and we don’t want to take any risks by giving him too many minutes.”
So, which Arsenal line-up is likely?
We may see Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Leandro Trossard continue as Arsenal’s front three. Nwaneri and Trossard, who didn’t start in the 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV, should be fresh and ready to return to the starting XI on Sunday afternoon.
Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey, who also didn’t start against PSV, are expected to return. They, alongside Declan Rice, will look to control the midfield.
In defence, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are set to return to the starting line-up after being rested against PSV. Alongside Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly, the four will aim to form an impenetrable back line.
Raya is of course expected to retain his place in goal, with Arsenal’s predicted line-up looking like this:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Earlier this season, Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. That result extended Chelsea’s winless run against Arsenal in London derbies to seven matches—five defeats and two draws.
This Sunday could see Arsenal stretch that unbeaten run against the Blues to eight games with a win looking likely. This will further cement their dominance in this fierce rivalry.
Who truly runs London? This weekend might give us the answer.
So, which Arsenal line-up is likely?
We may see Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Leandro Trossard continue as Arsenal’s front three. Nwaneri and Trossard, who didn’t start in the 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV, should be fresh and ready to return to the starting XI on Sunday afternoon.
Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey, who also didn’t start against PSV, are expected to return. They, alongside Declan Rice, will look to control the midfield.
In defence, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are set to return to the starting line-up after being rested against PSV. Alongside Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly, the four will aim to form an impenetrable back line.
Raya is of course expected to retain his place in goal, with Arsenal’s predicted line-up looking like this:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Partey, Rice, Ødegaard
Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Earlier this season, Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. That result extended Chelsea’s winless run against Arsenal in London derbies to seven matches—five defeats and two draws.
This Sunday could see Arsenal stretch that unbeaten run against the Blues to eight games with a win looking likely. This will further cement their dominance in this fierce rivalry.
Who truly runs London? This weekend might give us the answer.
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1 comment:
Win the Premier & Champions leagues and then you can compare!
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