Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Chelsea: Predicted starting XI – Chasing the trophy

By Andrew Dowdeswell

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 889346808 and 861285074) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal (L) and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea. Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a Premier League match on January 3, 2017 at the Emirates Stadium in London,England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 889346808 and 861285074) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal (L) and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea. Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a Premier League match on January 3, 2017 at the Emirates Stadium in London,England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks dejected after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea at Selhurst Park on October 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 03: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal in action as Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea chases during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Central Midfield

At the weekend, Wenger partnered Mohamed Elneny with youngster Joe Willock. Of the two, it was somewhat startling which one looked the more comfortable and effective.

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Elneny lacked the same composure that he usually plays with, losing control of the midfield, allowing a worrying number of sweeping, fast-flowing Forest breaks, while Willock, who played in a slightly more advanced role, was extremely smooth in possession, completing more passes than any other Arsenal player on the day. For that reason, I believe that Wenger will be hesitant to start Elneny, other than if he is forced to through injury.

Francis Coquelin was also a surprising omission from the squad altogether. With recent reports strongly linking him with an exit, I expect Wenger to continue to turn away from one of his most trusted squad players.

Given that this is a semi-final, and that there is now no FA Cup to fight for, I believe that Wenger will play an extremely strong team. That means the return of Jack Wilshere and Granit Xhaka, pending a late fitness test, to the starting line-up.