Arsenal have made a decent start to their campaign and their fantastic 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in the midweek Champions League clash proved that the Gunners can be absolutely devastating on their good days.
However, Arsenal cannot afford to get carried away, as their next fixture is easily their toughest of the season so far, as they travel to Stamford Bridge to square off against the all conquering Chelsea side on Sunday.
Arsenal were very impressive in their 4-1 victory over Galatasaray in midweek
Admittedly, Arsenal can dispose weaker teams without much fuss but it is their inability to perform against the big boys that has proven to be their Achilles Heel in recent times and one does not need reminding of the fate that had befallen on the Gunners the last time they visited Stamford Bridge after being humiliated 6-0.
Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny earned a silly red card during Arsenal’s clash against Galatasaray in midweek and it perhaps denied the Gunners a chance to claim victory by an even greater margin.
Szczesny unnecessarily got himself sent off in midweek
To make matters worse for the goalkeeper, his replacement in David Ospina impressed with a couple of sensational saves during the final half an hour of the game.
However, barring his aberration against Galatasaray, Szczesny has been very good this season and should retain his place in the starting lineup for the clash against Chelsea.
Defence
With the likes of Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy still out injured, manager Arsene Wenger does not have too many options to choose from in defence and as a result, the backline which started against Galatasaray should also feature against Chelsea this weekend.
Koscileny and Mertesacker will have to be at their best to stop Diego Costa
Laurent Koscileny and Per Mertesacker will start in central defence and the duo will certainly have a huge role to play in thwarting the dangerous Chelsea attack and in particular, the threat posed by Diego Costa.
Calum Chambers has been very impressive this season and will continue at right back while the equally impressive Kieran Gibbs is a certainty to start on the left full back position.
Midfield
Midfield poses another big problem for Wenger as key players Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are the latest players to face a spell on the sidelines. The duo will join Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry in the long list of injury problems for the Gunners.
However, as a big boost, Jack Wilshere should be fully fit to feature in the clash after sitting out against Galatasaray. In the absence of Arteta, Mathieu Flamini will continue at the heart of the midfield while Wilshere looks set to be deployed alongside the Frenchman.
Jack Wilshere should return to the lineup
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who played in midfield during the mid week clash, will probably move out on the right wing and as a result, Santi Cazorla is most likely to drop to the bench.
There had been fears about Alexis Sanchez after he was taken off on the hour mark against Galatasaray and seen holding a ice pack on his foot in the substitutes bench but Wenger has stated that the Chilean superstar will in all likelihood start against Chelsea.
Mesut Ozil continued his fine form with a very good display against Galatasaray and will start in his favoured playmaker position behind the lone striker.
Attack
Danny Welbeck was the star of the show for Arsenal against Galatasaray after he scored a magnificent hat trick and the England star is a certainty to start this weekend as well.
Welbeck seems to be thriving at Arsenal and his pace is sure to cause the Chelsea backline a couple of problems – especially if the Gunners are to play on the counter.
Welbeck is on fire at the moment
While the 23-year old is on fire at the moment, it has to be pointed out that the Chelsea back four is a completely different proposition to Galatasaray and the striker will certainly find it much tougher than he did against the Turkish side, this weekend.
(4-5-1)
