The dream scenario for Mikel Arteta could indeed be realised this weekend. Although the underlying disappointment of Jurrien Timber’s injury remains and will do for some time still, the Spaniard is likely to welcome back all of his other big-hitters.
David Raya will of course continue in between the sticks. Aaron Ramsdale’s comments during the international break were hard to hear but Arteta has put faith in Raya and against Man City he executed the game plan to the precise instructions of his coach which will likely see little change regarding a selection.
In defence, without Timber, the best selection is of course Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko. The question mark was of course over William Saliba but with time to recover over the break the hope will be that he of course is fine to play.
Into midfield and this is where supporters will be excited about the potential to see Declan Rice and Thomas Partey partner one another for the first time from the start of a game since the Community Shield. The pair were reunited against the same opposition before the break and the Ghanaian’s pass to Takehiro Tomiyasu is what set up the winning goal.
Martin Odegaard's inclusion making up the midfield three means there is no space for either former Chelsea player. Jorginho and Kai Havertz however are sure to have a role to play from the bench during the game.
Bring on the Chelsea hubris, this Arsenal team is ready not just for this game but to take the fight to the rest of the league in a way we’ve not seen yet this season. Time to kick the campaign into gear!
Dream Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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