Arsenal head to west London this weekend for a derby day clash with Chelsea in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta knows a victory for his side will take them to the top of the table before Tottenham’s Monday night clash with Fulham.
An impressive late victory over Manchester City before the international break saw the Gunners leapfrog last season’s champions, putting them level on points with north London rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners remain one of only two unbeaten sides in the Premier League, but Chelsea will be looking to bring that run to an end on Saturday. The Blues are on a three-game winning run and will pose Arsenal a stern test regardless of their league position.
With Bukayo Saka and William Saliba injury doubts for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has some big calls to make ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge. However, he can take comfort in the knowledge that his injury dilemmas pale in comparison to those his counterpart Mauricio Pochettino is facing at Chelsea.
GK: David Raya – Has looked a little nervy in recent weeks, with the TV cameras constantly panning to Aaron Ramsdale whenever the Spaniard does anything remotely wrong. However, Arteta has kept the faith in Raya and is likely to do so at Stamford Bridge too.
RB: Ben White – The defender has been in strong form in recent weeks and will have to be sharp to deal with the impressive Raheem Sterling down Chelsea’s left-hand side.
CB: William Saliba – Withdrew from the France squad with a toe injury suffered against Man City but has proven himself as irreplaceable for Arteta. If Saliba‘s remotely fit, he’ll probably start.
CB: Gabriel – The Brazilian will also be keeping his fingers crossed that his usual centre-back partner Saliba is fit, with the pair performing well against Erling Haaland and co last time out.
LB: Oleksandr Zinchenko – Got the last laugh against his former side last time out and has been wonderful in an inverted full-back role on the left-hand side for Arsenal. Managed an assist and two victories with Ukraine over the international period.
CM: Thomas Partey – Arteta opted for a double pivot against Man City to offer greater solidity in midfield and the Spanish coach could do the same at Stamford Bridge. Jorginho could be replaced by the returning Partey.
CM: Declan Rice – Has taken no time settling in at the Emirates, putting in some magnificent performances for Arsenal this season already. The three most expensive players in Premier League history – Rice, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez – will face off in midfield this weekend.
CM: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal’s skipper has been in typically terrific form this season, managing four goals and an assist for the Gunners. The battle between Caicedo and Odegaard could prove pivotal come the final whistle.
RW: Gabriel Jesus – Bukayo Saka will start on the right-hand side if fit, but there are serious question marks over his availability. If the England winger misses out, Gabriel Jesus will take his spot on the right flank as he did against Man City.
ST: Eddie Nketiah – The forward’s position in the team will also be dependent on Saka’s fitness as Jesus will likely move centrally if Saka starts. Nketiah could still prove a handful for Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill and bagged a brace at Stamford Bridge during the 2021/22 season in a 4-2 win.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – His deflected shot was the winner against Man City and the Brazilian looked sharp on his return to action. With Leandro Trossard likely missing out, Martinelli is guaranteed a starter.
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