Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea: 4-3-3 with Nketiah up front?

Arsenal have it all to do if they are to battle their way back into top four contention when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to face Chelsea. Here is the predicted lineup.

A daunting trip awaits for Mikel Arteta’s side, one that their recent form has made all the more concerning as they head across the capital off the back of three straight Premier League defeats.

Having plumped for Granit Xhaka at left-back against Brighton, Arteta opted to return to more familiar ways with Nuno Tavares slotting into defence and the Swiss midfielder moving back to the centre of the pitch.

While Arsenal still lost against Southampton irrespective of the changes, the improvement in performance should encourage him to stick with his guns. Then again, in this fixture near the end of last season, Arteta went with a back three that had Bukayo Saka at right wing-back.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea: 4-3-3 with Eddie Nketiah up front and Takehiro Tomiyasu back from injury in defence?

Elsewhere in defence there are still huge question marks over Takehiro Tomiyasu, despite the Japanese international said to be returning to full training following the trip to the south coast.

There are also question marks over Alexandre Lacazette – who recently did an ill-advised interview about his future – with the Frenchman missing out on the previous matchday squad as he recovers from Covid-19.

That could mean a second consecutive start for Eddie Nketiah, who may feature alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in attack, unless Emile Smith Rowe is given the chance from the start.

In terms of formation, the game against Southampton resembled something more close to a 4-2-3-1 when it was an equal game state before Arteta went Hail Mary with his attacking players, which could be on the cards again to reinstate some balance into the side.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – It has not been an enjoyable spell in front of goal for Ramsdale, who has conceded eight goals from the last 14 shots on target faced. Still, he’s keeping his place.

Cedric Soares (RB) – Even if Tomiyasu is back in training it will be an almighty ask for him to come into a game of this magnitude having been out for so long. Instead, the Gunners’ free-kick specialist will keep his place.

Benjamin White (CB) – Been a bit shaky in the past few games (who hasn’t?) and will need a much more commanding performance this time around against a potent Chelsea attack.

Gabriel (CB) – After two dreadful showings there was an improvement from Gabriel against Southampton as his passing was much crisper through the lines.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – Having been given a show of faith from the manager against the Saints, and not being the first full-back hooked off, it would be a surprise if Nuno didn’t start again here.

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