Arsenal vs Chelsea predicted XI: Keep the trajectory
By Josh Sippie
Central Midfielders
We are about to have a lot more options here when Dani Ceballos returns, and I can’t wait for it, seeing as how Mikel Arteta has had such a fantastic impact on the other midfielders already. But until then, we should expect a very similar midfield set-up. It worked too well to deviate from.
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Granit Xhaka was massive against Bournemouth and was pretty widely accepted as man of the match. Despite his future potentially taking him to Hoffenheim as early as next week, I wouldn’t expect Arteta to deviate from him. Though if there was going to be a change, it would be to see Matteo Guendouzi take Xhaka’s spot, which would, to me, indicate that Xhaka has been sold (someone console me, please).
Lucas Torreira should keep his spot as well. he worked his arse off, but it worked incredibly well and I’d hate to see him left out here. Although if exhaustion is a problem, there may be no way around it. We do know that Xhaka and Guendouzi don’t do well together though, so avoid that.
Lastly, Mesut Ozil should keep his spot. He was deceptively good throughout the match at the Vitality and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do next.
Lastly, let’s talk about the attack.