Just the one change from the Arsenal team that drew with Sheffield United at the weekend.
Arsenal will be looking to inflict a long-awaited defeat on Chelsea in their own back yard and Mikel Arteta has gone with almost the same team that drew with the Blades on Saturday.
Chelsea is fresh off a loss away at Newcastle and are apparently looking to take their anger out on the Gunners. For their part, Arsenal will be looking to avenge the unjust loss to the Blues when they met last month.
Anyway, here is the official line up-, let us know what you think in the comments section below. Do you think this is the team to beat Chelsea or has Mikel Arteta got it wrong?
🚨 One change from the weekend…
➡️ @HectorBellerin
⬅️ @Ains_7#CHEARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 21, 2020
Links to streams will be put in the comments where to watch the game live and free so keep checking in.
Also, if you go to Arsenal.com you will be able to get live commentary text and Arsenal radio.
JustArsenal match preview here
JustArsenal predicted line up here (for comparison)
Watching the team applaud the Arsenal fans at the end alongside Arteta shows enormous respect.
Congratulations to them for hanging on with 10 men.
Not the night to pick through the obvious shortcomings – proud of the boys .
Tie Gabby down to a very long contract , they’re gonna come sniffing !
Mustafi and Luiz, the less said the better. Top class CB a must this January.
Holding- at fault for the 2nd goal as he switched off for Azpilicueta to tap home. May be a good backup defender for squad depth but not Arsenal starting quality.
Leno-very smart not to foul Abraham. Made lots of saves and is one of the best goalkeepers we’ve had in recent times.
Xhaka-very improved performance, great player to have for team depth in certain games but should not be an automatic starter in Arsenal.
Torierra- Bull Terrier, combative, unfussed in possession with great technique.
Ozil- Worst player on the pitch until Mustafi error which led to another error by Luiz that left us a man down. Clearly past his sell by date. No fight, hiding from passes, easily dispossessed. Good player for squad depth against a vastly inferior opposition. Should be phased out in the summer likely on loan to a Turkish side who would bear half of his massive wages.
Lacazette- Didn’t do too badly considering how poorly he was serviced and how he was doing most of the pressing on his own. Did well to keep with his back to goal, misplaced a number of passes but never unavailable for a pass.
Saka- Good game for the very confident kid. Could become so much more if moulded right. 1 major error but otherwise did a good job as a stand in LB.
Bellerin- Captain Marvellous. Seemed to have been jostled back to his senses by the improved form of Niles. Excellent defensive game and topped it up with the goal.
Martinelli- has understated pace combined with workrate and trickery, which is topped with composure in front of goal. We do have a gem on our hands, natural Aubameyang replacement in 2 years.
Should definitely get minutes every match.
Kudos to Arteta for good game management, resisting the urge to bring in Holding earlier after the red card. Rightfully subbed off Ozil who simply offered nothing.