Arsenal Starting (4-3-3) XI vs Chelsea: Arteta secret weapon, Martinelli returns with Merino & Sterling decisions made. Team News and Lineup updates…

Arsenal Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Arteta’s Tactical Advantage: Martinelli’s Return – Arsenal’s Projected XI vs Chelsea

Eight Changes, £46m Striker | Anticipated Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3) vs Chelsea with Decisions on Merino & Sterling

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Team Updates, Expected Lineups, and Injury Reports.

Gunners Anticipate Key Returns for London Derby

As Arsenal gears up for their Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday, they face a mix of positive developments and ongoing concerns.

Mikel Arteta will be without Bukayo Saka, but Gabriel Martinelli is vying for a starting position following his recent recovery from injury.

Saka Remains Out, Martinelli Aiming for a Start

Although Bukayo Saka is making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury, he is not expected to play against Chelsea.

The winger, who has been out since December, aims to return after the international break when Arsenal faces Fulham.

“He’s getting closer, he’s stepping up and making very good progress, I would say,” Arteta commented. “We’ll see how he integrates back with the team and how quickly he can regain his fitness.”

On a brighter note, Gabriel Martinelli is in contention for his first start in over a month.

The Brazilian has been gradually reintegrated into the squad, coming off the bench in recent matches, and is now pushing for a return to the starting eleven.

Defensive and Midfield Choices Under Review

Arteta made notable changes during the midweek Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven, and the focus now shifts to reinstating key players for the derby.

Ben White, who is still working towards full fitness after knee surgery, may not be risked, leading to Jurrien Timber likely starting at right-back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, recently called up to the England squad, is in contention for the left-back position, competing with Riccardo Calafiori for a spot in the starting lineup.

Defensive and Midfield Choices Under Review.

Arteta implemented notable changes during the midweek Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven, and attention now turns to reinstating key players for the upcoming derby.

Ben White, who is still on the path to full recovery following knee surgery, may be held back, allowing Jurrien Timber to take the right-back position.

Myles Lewis-Skelly, recently called up to the England squad, is vying for the left-back spot against Riccardo Calafiori.

In the midfield, Declan Rice is almost guaranteed to start, offering the Gunners essential stability against a Chelsea team that has displayed moments of brilliance yet has struggled with consistency this season.

Projected Arsenal Lineup and Notable Absences.

Arsenal is anticipated to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, featuring David Raya in goal and a defensive lineup of Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and either Lewis-Skelly or Calafiori.

The midfield is expected to include Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Rice, while the attacking front may see Leandro Trossard leading, with Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Martinelli on the left.

Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.

As Arsenal seeks to narrow the gap at the top of the table and Chelsea looks to gain momentum, the upcoming clash at the Emirates promises to be another thrilling installment in this storied rivalry.