Arsenal vs Chelsea: 5 key players with so much on the line

2. Bukayo Saka

Sead Kolasinac might make an appearance, in which case this spot on the list is vacated, but seeing as how a thigh strain kept Kolasinac out just a couple of days ago, the likelihood that he’s ready to go on such short notice is… rather slim. Unfortunately.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Or not. Because Bukayo Saka has been tremendous. He’s been every bit the leftback we’ve needed and we saw it more than ever against Sheffield United. He was sneaky good against Sheffield, not allowing much attacking play to eke up on his side and providing plenty attacking of his own getting forward.

The fact still remains, though, that he’s a young kid with inexperience aplenty, especially at the leftback position. It hasn’t hampered him yet, and he wasn’t awful last time he played Chelsea at the same position, but it could be one hell of a lift to have him maintain this steadiness there at the back.

Until someone else comes back, he is the main man. Kolasinac may be back soon, and that would spur Saka into the wings again, but for now, he’s our best bet at a vital position.

Finally, No. 1.