Football

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal – James could bring joy

Our Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal contains some players on the brink of full fitness, that we think Mauricio Pochettino may risk playing from the start due to the importance of the fixture. Likewise, we have predicted Arsenal to do the same, as both teams look for three points in this London derby.

The hosts are looking to build on three wins in a row in all competitions, while the visitors will want to maintain their unbeaten Premier League (PL) start, and continue their streak of three consecutive wins at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

Nicolas Jackson Chelsea celebrates Burnley
Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring Chelsea’s fourth in a 4-1 win at Burnley last time out. Date: Saturday October 7, 2023 – Photo by Icon sport

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Chelsea vs Arsenal Premier League team news

Pochettino confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are “ready” to feature, while Benoit Badiashile could make the bench. Cole Palmer is also presumed fit, after being rumoured to be a doubt.

However, Reece James, Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson still need to be assessed, while Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and Christopher Nkunku are longer-term absentees.

As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta revealed little in his conference, and so it is unclear whether Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard have fully recovered from injuries picked up before or during the international break. Jurrien Timber is a long-term absentee.

Chelsea predicted lineup

Sanchez – James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill – Caicedo, Gallagher, Fernandez – Palmer, Jackson, Sterling

Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea
Pochettino in deep thought against Burnley. Date: Saturday October 7, 2023 – Photo by Icon sport

Chelsea key players – Our top three

Reece James Chelsea
James is a key player for Chelsea when fit – Photo by Icon sport

Reece James – A potential big boost

If James returns from injury against Arsenal, it would be a huge boost for Chelsea. He offers the Blues a potent attacking threat on the right-hand side, and up against left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, who likes to drift into midfield and is not the most reliable defensively, James would be confident that he could win that battle.

The key for him is staying fit, which he has struggled to do in his career, but when he gets a run of game, he is a real threat – emphasised by the five goals and nine assists he recorded from defence in the 2021/22 PL season.

Cole Palmer Chelsea
Palmer scored from the penalty spot against Burnley. Date: Saturday October 7, 2023 – Photo by Icon sport

Cole Palmer – Mr. Reliable

Palmer scored and assisted against Burnley last time out, and has seemingly been given penalty duties after netting from the spot at Turf Moor. The winger also scored against Arsenal playing for Manchester City in the Community Shield earlier this campaign.

Palmer would do his old side a big favour if Chelsea can take maximum points from the Gunners, which would give the advantage back to City in the title race.

Raheem Sterling Chelsea
Sterling had a hand in all four goals against Burnley. Date: Saturday October 7, 2023 – Photo by Icon sport

Raheem Sterling – Finding his form

Sterling was involved in all four goals that Chelsea scored against Burnley, including getting on the scoresheet himself. He has previously scored eight times against Arsenal, and has won half the matches (11/22) that he has played against them.

Another ex-City player, Sterling will be hoping to do his old team a favour by beating their title challengers.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal – The Final Word

Chelsea will want to prove that their recent run of wins is no fluke, and will want to show that they have fully turned the corner despite the disruption of the international break.

They will also want to end the run of three straight defeats to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, and finally start to climb up the PL table.


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