Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted XI: Xhaka benched, Mustafi keeps place
By Kian Long
RB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
I know, it’s not ideal. However, Hector Bellerin has been out of action since December and it doesn’t look like he will return to action in this match. Maitland-Niles is a midfielder by trade and that is undeniably his best position but, unfortunately, he will have to do a stint for the Gunners at right back.
He will likely come up against Callum Hudson-Odoi, who often proves to be a sticky customer. In one of his earliest matches for Chelsea, the youngster made Arsenal look silly in pre-season. However, Maitland-Niles is composed in defence so he will try not to let his countryman get the better of him. One thing is for sure, it will be an interesting matchup.
CB: Shkodran Mustafi & David Luiz
In my opinion, Mustafi was Arsenal’s man of the match in their recent draw with Sheffield United and I don’t say that lightly. I am Mustafi’s biggest critic but I’d be lying if I said there’s not a clear improvement under Mikel Arteta.
In the last match against Chelsea, David Luiz made his loyalties clear. He went in for a few rough challenges and wasn’t afraid to injure his former teammates. While this shouldn’t be celebrated, it shows he knows how to deal with the Chelsea players. Should Arteta implement a style which relies on the relentless press, then Luiz is the perfect man for the job.
Both Luiz and Mustafi will have a tough ask trying to deal with Tammy Abraham who has been one of, if not the best striker in the league this season. They will need to stick tight to him and not allow him the space he needs to carve an opening.
LB: Bukayo Saka
Saka, like Maitland-Niles, is not a natural full-back. The youngster would much rather be playing further up the pitch but again, he has been forced to fill the void left by defensive injuries. Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney will likely be unavailable for selection so it will be on Saka to make sure the void isn’t felt.
He is a quick and energetic player that has plenty of passion to win back possession, as demonstrated on a few occasions against Sheffield United, therefore Arsenal fans will have trust in him in this match.