Arsenal are set to take on Chelsea this evening at Stamford Bridge, with doubts over both Alexandre Lacazette and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s involvement.
While the club didn’t mention either of Kieran Tierney or Thomas Partey in their Team News update at Arsenal.com, we are aware that neither is in contention to return today let alone again this season.
The two who were focused on were Lacazette and Tomiyasu, who are both close to making their returns, according to the boss. The Spaniard kept his information on the Frenchman under his hat ahead of the weekend’s match with Southampton however, and we assume that he will remain unavailable.
We are a little more hopeful on Tomi’s return however, with Cedric amongst those to struggle at the weekend, with Arteta claiming he was ‘very, very close’ to a return whilst talking in his pre-match conference.
Predicted Arsenal XI:
Ramsdale
White Holding Gabriel
Cedric Odegaard Lokonga Xhaka Tavares
Saka Smith Rowe
With our team seemingly struggling for form, and with the daunting task of going away to the Champions League holders, I sense that the manager will finally give in and change up the system in play. I imagine Arteta will go to a back five with Holding coming into the side as we look to find a way to solidify our defence after some tough weeks.
I recall the boss opting for a back five against the Blues in previous seasons, matching their formation in use, and given our personnel issues, I’m not sure it would be the worst decision.
Do you think Arteta will stick with his recent 4-3-3 formation against Chelsea or do you agree that he will look to change things up?
Patrick
It would be a disaster to have Saka and Smith upfront,
Smith-Rowe can’t control games, can’t shot and he’s too lightweight
I would prefer this formation:
Ramsdale
White Holding Gabriel
Saka Elneny Oedegaard Xhaka Tavares
Martinelli Pepe
Play pepe as a false striker,,coz we will loose this game anyways
Hello gunner fans, I think a 4-4-2 formation would work.
Ramsdale
White, Holding, Gabriel, Tavares
Saka, Elneny, Oedegard, Xhaka.
Pepe Martinelli
@Richard Twine
This looks the most logical option…
No player has been outstanding lately, so maybe a formation change is in order. Try 3 CBs and wingbacks, maybe a 3-5-2 with Martinelli and Pepe up top.
How Arteta sets up our midfield will determine the outcome of this match…IJS
Leno
White Holding Gabriel
Cedric Eleny Xhaka Lokonga Saka
Odegaard.
Martinelli
What is a Lokonga? Elneny should edge him out in my starting line up
Nice formation Ben…Marty and ode press upfront, then we overload the midfield as well… scoreless draw perhaps
I’m not bothered about any formation. We have a very capable coach for that, we have one of the best tactical coach in the premier league, so gunners don’t fret
What arteta line up will look like:
Ramdale
Cedric White Gabriel tavares
Lokonga xhaka
Saka oodegard. Martinelli
Nketia
My line up:
Ramdale
Cedric holding Gabriel tavares
White xhaka
Pepe oodegard. Saka
Martinelli