Predicted Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Full strength for London derby?

Stamford Bridge has been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took charge and they’ll be vying for a third-straight Premier League victory in SW6 on Sunday.

Graham Potter’s Chelsea are riddled with injuries heading into the contest and the Gunners will fancy their chances of continuing their fine form against the Blues.

Mikel Arteta’s side picked up back-to-back victories over the past week which saw them return to the top of the Premier League table and progress into the round of 16 of the Europa League. Although, the manner of their recent performances have indicated a slight decline compared to the brilliance they exuded through the opening ten games of the campaign.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Chelsea

Arteta will welcome back Mohamed Elneny and Oleksandr Zinchenko to his matchday squad on Sunday, and here’s the starting XI he could pick at Stamford Bridge.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale notched back-to-back Emirates clean sheets across two competitions in the build-up to this one, where he’s a sure bet to start.

Ben White (RB) – White got a rare Europa League start in the week but that shouldn’t mean he’ll be rotated out of the side against Chelsea. The defender has been excellent this season.

William Saliba (CB) – Saliba will be tasked with preventing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from enjoying a fruitful return against his former club. The Frenchman produced an assured display last weekend after a brief dip in form.

Gabriel (CB) – The Brazilian’s performances have picked up in recent weeks and while he remains error-prone, his place in Arteta’s first team isn’t in doubt.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury on Thursday should see Tierney earn a deserved start against Chelsea with Zinchenko only just returning to the fold.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey was excellent in the triumph over Forest but he has his work cut out if he’s to nullify the crafty threat of Chelsea’s creators between the lines at the Bridge.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Well-rested after serving a one-game suspension in the week, Xhaka will return to Arteta’s XI on Sunday where he’ll seek to continue his good form.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – The Norwegian will lead the side out at the Bridge looking to secure a third straight Premier League triumph at Stamford Bridge.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka survived an injury scare last weekend and was back in action as a substitute on Thursday. The winger enjoyed a stellar October and will be looking to maintain his productive period ahead of the World Cup.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Jesus was good once again without scoring in the week and supporters will be hoping that he can cash in the xG he’s accumulated over the past month.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Arteta handed Martinelli a rare night off against FC Zurich so he’ll be ready and raring to go on Sunday where he’ll likely be matched up against veteran Cesar Azpilicueta.