Having Gabriel Martinelli fully match fit for the Chelsea match is just massive for Arsenal right now. Leandro Trossard is a slight doubt, and Bukayo Saka is a strong doubt for the London derby on Saturday, so there is, at least potentially, a pretty big void to fill out on the wings. In the back line, William Saliba could miss out here.
In looking at the rest of the XI, obviously transfer fee record breaker Declan Rice and team captain Martin Odegaard are two of the first names listed on the sheet each and every time in meaningful games.
Chelsea vs Arsenal FYIs
Kick: Sat. Oct. 21, 4:30 pm local, Stamford Bridge
Starting XI Predictions: Chelsea Arsenal
Latest Chelsea Transfer Talk: go here and here
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Chelsea 31% Arsenal 41% Draw 28%
Form Guide: Chelsea WWLLLD Arsenal WWDWW
PL Position: Chelsea 11 pts, 11th Arsenal 20 pts, 2nd
Gabriel Jesus comes close to meeting this designation as well. Meanwhile David Raya should continue getting the nod over Aaron Ramsdale.
And below you can see the rest of the starting 11 prediction filled in. Stamford Bridge has kind of been like a home away from home for Arsenal lately.
Manager Mikel Arteta has a fine record in southwest London, and the prognosticators see that continuing here. That’s understandable, given where the two giant London clubs are right now in the grand scheme of things.
Arsenal FC Starting XI Prediction at Chelsea
David Raya; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now. Follow the website on Twitter and Instagram.