Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League in a match that will most likely determine Arsenal season. With Arsenal in 5th and Chelsea in 4th, both teams are battling it out for the last Champions League position with both missing it out this year participating in the Europa League. For Chelsea, missing out on the Champions League for the second season in a row will most likely call for the departure of Eden Hazard, and with Roman Ambramovich known for sacking managers constantly, Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri could be fired in his first season.
For Arsenal, missing out on Champions League football for the third season in a row would make them be recognized as a Europa League club, making the club less attracted to foreign players. If they lose to Chelsea, they’ll be 9 points away from fourth and if United get a win or draw versus Brighton, they’ll drop down to sixth place.
A win is needed for Arsenal as the club is facing multiple problems at the moment. Ramsey leaving to Juventus for free, Emery announcing that the club can only loan players this January, Sven Mislintat is rumoured to be leaving the club, and the Mesut Ozil saga, a win is needed to uplift the club through this rough period.
My preferred line up for Arsenal would be a 3-4-2-1 formation like this:
Leno Mustafi Sokratis Mavropanos Kolasinac Bellerin Xhaka Torreira Ozil Aubamyang Lacazette
When we went on our 22 match unbeaten run, we had the similar back 5 but with Holding in instead of Mavropanos. Last season Mavropanos impressed me well, with having a fantastic performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford. With his compatriot Sokratis next to him, I think he could learn will from him and believe he would be spectacular in defense.
Bellerin’s return will be crucial as he has been heavily missed, Lichtsteiner hasn’t impressed and Maitland-Niles is a midfielder not a right back. Both him and Kolasinac have been impressive as wingbacks, creating multiple chances and dropping back on time to help the back three.
Mesut Ozil needs to start this game, and in this formation he will be the fulcrum of the side. Ozil is one of the best creators in the world and with Xhaka and Torreira protecting him, Ozil should be capable of playing in his best postion in number 10. With Aubameyang and Lacazette in front of him, Ozil will have two quality strikers in front of him, he needs to show Unai Emery why he’s our highest earner and why he needs to be in his plans.
If Arsenal lineup like this, I believe they can win the match 2-0. If Emery chooses to leave Ozil out of the team again, uses a back four, and plays people like Maitland-Niles out of position, I can see Chelsea winning 2-1. This London Derby will be a very exciting one, as both teams will be looking to win it.
Alex's Soccer Blog 