Arsenal Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Injury Updates

Gunners Set for Key Returns in London Derby

Arsenal’s preparations for their Premier League clash against Chelsea on Sunday come with both encouraging news and lingering concerns. Mikel Arteta will be without Bukayo Saka, but Gabriel Martinelli is pushing for a starting role after his recent return from injury.

Saka’s Absence Continues, Martinelli in Contention

Despite making steady progress in his recovery from a hamstring tear, Bukayo Saka is not expected to feature against Chelsea. The winger, sidelined since December, is targeting a return after the international break when Arsenal take on Fulham.

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“He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress I would say,” said Arteta. “So, let’s see when we start to throw him in with the team, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly.”

On a more positive note, Gabriel Martinelli could make his first start in over a month. The Brazilian has been eased back into action, featuring off the bench in recent games, but is now pushing for a return to the starting lineup.

Defensive and Midfield Selections Under the Microscope

Arteta made significant rotations in the midweek Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven, and the focus now shifts to restoring first-choice players for the derby.

Ben White, still regaining full fitness after knee surgery, may not be risked, with Jurrien Timber likely to start at right-back. Myles Lewis-Skelly, fresh from an England call-up, is in contention to feature at left-back, battling Riccardo Calafiori for a place in the XI.

In midfield, Declan Rice is a near certainty to start, providing the Gunners with stability against a Chelsea side that has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency this season.

Predicted Arsenal Lineup and Key Absentees

Arsenal are expected to set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with David Raya in goal and a defensive unit comprising Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and either Lewis-Skelly or Calafiori.

The midfield trio should see Martin Ødegaard alongside Thomas Partey and Rice, while in attack, Leandro Trossard could lead the line, supported by Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Martinelli on the left.

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.

With Arsenal looking to close the gap at the top and Chelsea aiming to build momentum, Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates is set to be another gripping chapter in this historic rivalry.