After the beating hit Brentford’s hands last time, Arsenal have the undeniable task of bouncing back against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
Strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah remain out, but there are hopes that Mikel Arteta can call on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who should be cleared of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19 in time for the game,
This is how Mikel Arteta can set up.
All eyes will be on White / Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
Bernd Leno (GK) – Aaron Ramsdale comes for his place, but from now on Leno is number one.
Calum Chambers (RB) – With Hector Bellerin’s pressure for an exit to increase this week, Arteta will likely have to stick to the Chambers, who need a huge performance after their horror show against Brentford.
Ben White (CB) – Speaking of players who need improvement, White was no match for Ivan Toney and now has to prove he was worth his £ 50million fee against Romelu Lukaku.
Pablo Mari (CB) – Gabriel is still on the sidelines, so Arteta is likely to turn to Mari, though he could easily pull Rob Holding in an attempt to shake things up.
Kieran Tierney (LB) – Tierney was astounding against Brentford and did not deserve to be the recipient of an embarrassing defeat. Approaching the best left-back in league status.
Saka can return to the starting lineup / Eddie Keogh / Getty Images
Albert Sambi Lokonga (DM) – Lokonga had a tricky debut but flashed lots of promising moments, and with Thomas Partey left, the kid gets another chance to continue his development.
Granit Xhaka (DM) – Xhaka’s new contract is ready and he must now be firmly focused on leading Arsenal on the pitch.
Nicolas Pepe (RM) – Quiet against Brentford, Pepe finished last season in electric form and hopes to rediscover it as soon as possible.
Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – Since Martin Odegaard is not ready for this one, Smith Rowe remains the undisputed starter of the decade; and rightly so. He was excellent against Brentford.
Bukayo Saka (LM) – Saka managed half an hour against Brentford and looks physically ready to increase his commitment this weekend, but do not expect him to play the full 90.
Martinelli may be needed at the top / Buda Mendes / Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli (ST) – Saka’s return makes it possible for Martinelli to play top and cover for Aubameyang, Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, who are all injured. Folarin Balogun fought in the last match, so expect Arteta to turn to Martinelli instead.
