How Arsenal could line up against Chelsea

By Ben Knapton | 10 May 2021 15:35, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has emerged as a fresh doubt for Wednesday's Premier League encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old bagged his first Premier League goal against West Bromwich Albion before having to be taken off with a hamstring complaint, and Mikel Arteta has admitted that he does not know how serious the issue is.

Martin Odegaard should therefore return to the number 10 role in West London, while Gabriel Martinelli struggled up front against the Baggies and could drop out for the fit-again Alexandre Lacazette.

Nicolas Pepe and Willian both scored stunning long-range efforts in Sunday's 3-1 triumph, but the latter's place is at risk as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday.

Thomas Partey was also restricted to a substitute appearance against West Brom so should return to the engine room here, but Granit Xhaka may only be fit enough for a place on the bench.

Xhaka is joined by David Luiz (hamstring) and Pablo Mari (ankle) on the recent injury list - although Arteta has only ruled Luiz out of this game - meaning that Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to pair up in defence once again.

Bukayo Saka seems in need of a rest so may be granted it here as Kieran Tierney returns at left-back, while Calum Chambers will hope to beat Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares to the right-back spot once more.

Arsenal possible starting lineup: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Elneny; Pepe, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette

> Click here to see how Chelsea could line up for this clash