Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea: 3-4-3 return with Balogun?

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – In this system Arteta adopts two No. 10’s, which he did last season with Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, which is not in any way a natural slot for the Ivorian.

However, due to the lack of possession Arsenal will have, it may be a case for Pepe drifts into the central roles in transition where his pace can be utilised, and the centre-forward in this case will drop deeper to try and facilitate play.

Folarin Balogun (ST) – Will Arteta plump for Gabriel Martinelli as the striker and try to get his front three in behind the Chelsea midfield as much as possible? He may very well do that. Or, the Brazilian may be an option off what will be an especially weak bench.

Where there is some potential for Balogun to play is in having someone who can hold the ball up and allow runners beyond. Pepe can continue attacking the spaces vacated by Flo dropping in, which will also open up gaps for Saka to move into advanced half-spaces.

It’s a huge ask for Balogun but Arsenal will need someone with physical presence in the front line, which may be enough to convince Arteta.

Emile Smith Rowe (LW) – This is where the Arsenal No. 10 will actually play as a No. 10, using Tavares’ natural width as the opening for him to slot into the left half-space and look to facilitate play from those areas.

Centrality will be brought in by Balogun who Smith Rowe can play off, finding pockets in around Jorginho, if at all possible.