Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted XI: Xhaka benched, Mustafi keeps place
By Kian Long
CM: Matteo Guendouzi
Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira has been the midfield pairing of choice by Mikel Arteta which could easily hinder the progress of Matteo Guendouzi. The French midfielder has been unfarily frozen out of the XI and now that Arsenal are suffering a stalemate, it could be time to reintroduce him to the side.
On his day, Guendouzi is an Arsenal’s best midfielder. He is versatile, meaning he can be used in pretty much any system. Granted, he has made mistakes throughout his career but I remember Pain in the Arsenal stating he won’t make the same mistake twice. I couldn’t say it any better myself.
Guendouzi will act as the box-to-box midfielder in this midfield trio, much like Aaron Ramsey used to play.
CM: Lucas Torreira
Torreira felt the wrath of Unai Emery in his second season in North London but now that Arteta is at the helm, he is starting to enjoy donning the red Arsenal jersey again. This is partly down to a tactical shift which allows Torreira to play in the position which suits him best; the destroyer.
He will have a tough time trying to restrict the runs of Matteo Kovacic from midfield but if there’s any man who can do the job, it’s Torreira. Don’t expect to see him making darting runs into the final third but he will carry out the nitty-gritty jobs which will benefit Arsenal throughout the match.
CM: Mesut Ozil
I don’t need to tell you what Ozil brings to the XI. He brings flair, creativity and a steady route to goal. In the final third, he is a different breed as he sees the game unfold before his very eyes.
Ozil is often criticised for his big-game performances but Arteta will have spent the last few days drilling this out of him. After all, he was excellent against Manchester United at the beginning of this month.
His creativity will be crucial because Chelsea have shown at times this season that their defence can be vulnerable to exploitation. If there’s any player that will play the match-winning ball for Arsenal, mark my words, it will be Ozil. Providing he is on top of his game.