James And Havertz To Start, Pulisic Out, Lukaku On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Play Arsenal

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, Christian Pulisic, Reece James

After a strong performance against Crystal Palace at the weekend, Chelsea will have a slightly sterner test when they travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.

The Gunners are reeling after losing their season opener against Brentford and it could be the best time to play them due to their fragile confidence.

Manager Thomas Tuchel may have to do without Christian Pulisic and N’Golo Kante, though, with both having missed training sessions this week.

Press the next page as we predict the Blues’ starting eleven to take on Arsenal.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The 29-year-old had very little to do against Palace but, when he was called into action, he didn’t put a foot wrong.

Considering how strong Chelsea have been at the back since Tuchel’s arrival at the club, he will be hoping for another quiet day at the office on Sunday.

RWB – Reece James

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta did a serviceable job as a wingback in the 3-0 win over Palace but it isn’t his strongest position, and with James getting some much-needed game time in the final half-hour on Saturday, he should be ready to start this weekend.

The 21-year-old will have a lot on his plate defensively, with Kieran Tierney marauding down the left flank so he needs to be on his game.

CB – Trevoh Chalobah

After scoring his first goal for the club, and putting in a great all-round performance, it would be harsh if Tuchel takes the 22-year-old out of the starting lineup.

Azpilicueta could well be an option if Tuchel wants more experience in the back three against Arsenal, though, but Chalobah is deserving of another chance.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Thiago Silva is sitting on the bench, waiting to come back into the team but Christensen has not done anything wrong to warrant being dropped.

The Danish international is enjoying his stint in the middle of the back three and it would be a surprise if he is taken out of the side by Tuchel.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German seems to play in every game, no matter the opponent, and it is not surprising to see why considering he consistently puts in good performances.

Rudiger has been a constant throughout Tuchel’s tenure in charge so far, and he will be a key player on Sunday.

LWB – Marcos Alonso

After getting on the scoresheet against Palace, the Spaniard is in pole position to keep his place in the lineup when the Blues take on the Gunners.

Some may, though, have concerns about his lack of pace, which could be exposed by the likes of Bukayo Saka, so we shall see if Tuchel goes for Ben Chilwell instead.

CM – Jorginho

Despite having pretty much no preseason, the Italian has picked up from where he left off with his performances against Villarreal and Palace.

Jorginho will be key to Chelsea controlling possession against Arsenal, and his presence in the side could be crucial to securing the three points.

CM – Mateo Kovacic

With N’Golo Kante a major doubt for the weekend due to an ankle injury, Kovacic is expected to retain his place, having started the season in decent form.

Alongside Jorginho, Kovacic will play an important role in ensuring that the Blues get a foothold at the Emirates, by winning tackles and making his trademark forward runs.

RW – Mason Mount

Like Jorginho, Mount has seemingly picked up from where he left off from last campaign, despite the fact that he should be short of match fitness after a short preseason.

One of the first names on the teamsheet, the 22-year-old will likely play a crucial part in helping Chelsea overcome the Gunners on Sunday.

CF – Timo Werner

Romelu Lukaku is expected to be in the matchday squad at the Emirates but it would be a surprise if Tuchel opts to put him in the deep end straight away.

If he is named on the bench then Werner may get another chance to shine. The 25-year-old still lacks confidence in front of goal, but he will be hoping to get on the scoresheet this weekend, to show his manager he deserves a place in the team.

LW – Kai Havertz

With Pulisic having missed training this week, the American may not be fit to start against Arsenal, leaving space for Havertz to come back into the eleven.

The German has looked sharp in preseason, with a decent display versus Villarreal followed up with a strong cameo last week in the win over the Eagles.