Eden Hazard to lead the line? – Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Arsenal in colossal London derby

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Arsenal in the Premier League

Chelsea got themselves back to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at home in the Premier League last week and the Blues will have a tough battle on their hands when they make the trip to north London to face Arsenal on Saturday.

The Blues currently sit 4th in the standings, six points clear of Arsenal in the 5th place and Maurizio Sarri’s men will be looking to strengthen their grip on the Champions League spot.

Arsenal lost their last game in the Premier League 1-0 to West Ham and the Gunners will be keen to avenge the 3-2 defeat that Chelsea inflicted on them away from home in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Team News

Chelsea do not have too many injury issues heading into the weekend clash. Ruben Loftus-Cheek remains sidelined with a lower back problem while Alvaro Morata is struggling with a minor hamstring injury.

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Predicted XI

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard has had a decent season between the sticks and Chelsea will need him to be at the top of his game against Arsenal.

2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The veteran has been a solid presence at the back for the Blues all season and dealt really well with Newcastle’s attackers in the last game.

3. Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German has been one of the standout performers at the back for Chelsea and should be amongst the starters for this one as well.

4. David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian produced a magical long pass to assist Pedro last week and has been a commanding presence at the heart of the defence all season.

5. Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard hasn’t hit top gear in the last couple of months but he scored against Arsenal earlier in the season and will be expected to do the same.

6. Jorginho (CDM)

The Italian looked a bit tired and was way off the pace against Newcastle but he is central to Sarri’s philosophy.

7. N’Golo Kante (RAM)

He has really adjusted well in his new attacking role this season and Chelsea will need him to deliver the goods on Saturday.

8. Mateo Kovacic (LAM)

The Croatian has been a familiar name on Sarri’s team sheet this season and has been pretty solid but his attacking contribution is still a question mark.

9. Willian (LW)

The Brazilian has really turned it around in the last few games with some impressive displays and he will be in high spirits after scoring the winner last week.

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10. Pedro (RW)

The Spaniard scored the opener with the beautiful chip against Newcastle and he can be a real handful for the Gunners this week with his trickery and tactical awareness.

11. Eden Hazard (ST)

Chelsea’s indispensable weapon in the final third wasn’t at his best in the last game but he still managed to set up Willian for the winner.