Chelsea travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in eleven games where Xavi Alonso has the best chance of getting a result. Here’s the reason behind each name.
Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted line-up
Emiliano Martinez: Back to where it all began
Emi Martinez started his career at Arsenal before making a name for himself elsewhere, and whenever he returns to the Emirates Stadium he is usually met with a cold reception. He has a big enough personality to handle it.
What’s more, Chelsea are likely to need him at his best and there’s no reason to omit a goalkeeper of his experience and ability for such an occasion.
Wesley Fofana: The Acheampong Experience
Fofana started on the right side of the back three. Josh Acheampong is a logical choice to replace him (it wouldn’t be a surprising decision if Alonso did that), but Fofana’s experience and skill against a front line as sharp as Arsenal’s is the deciding factor here.
Maxence Lacroix: a reliable central option
Lacroix continues to operate as one of two central defenders in a back three, providing Chelsea with the composure they need to counter Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
Levi Colwell: Completes the back three
Colwell completes the central defensive trio, giving Chelsea a stable and familiar back three for a really tough away game.
Malo Gusto: Choose a balanced insert
Gusteau started at right wing-back despite Pedro Neto’s impressive performance last time out. Gusteau provides the team with more defensive stability and overall balance, which will be important against the quality of Arsenal.
Reece James: Replacement for Caicedo who is out of shape
If Moises Caicedo is indeed fit, he will undoubtedly be available. But he is not expected to be 100 per cent and James and Romeo Lavia look a sensible combination in midfield, providing Chelsea with experience and control in midfield.
Romeo Lavia: Midfield partner
Lavia completes the defensive midfield double alongside James, providing Chelsea with the flexibility and pressure resistance to avoid being overwhelmed in midfield at the Emirates Stadium.
Jorel Hutto: Continuity on the left side
Hutto continued at left wing-back, maintaining the stability and familiarity of the pitch in a difficult away game.
Cole Palmer: Too important to ignore
Palmer started as part of Chelsea’s forward line, and in a game of this scale, the team simply cannot do without a spark of creativity.
Morgan Rodgers: Joins offensive line
Rogers (Almost joined Arsenal this summer) continues to provide direct running and goal threat in the front three, giving Chelsea a real outlet against a well-organized Arsenal defence.
Joao Pedro: Leading
Joao Pedro completes the front three, tasked with leading Chelsea’s attack in north London and complementing the services of Palmer and Rodgers.
Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted line-up
Emiliano Martinez; Wesley Fofana, Maxons Lacroix, Levi Colwell; Marlo Gusteau, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Jorel Hutto; Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro.