Arsenal vs Chelsea Predictions: Predicted Arsenal Starting XI

Arsenal will be going into their Europa League final against Chelsea with a lot of pressure on their shoulders.

Winning the final is their only way back into the Champions League next season and a defeat in Baku would be enough for Arsenal fans to officially label Unai Emery’s first season as calamitous.

Despite the Blues’ alarming inability to score goals this season, they do pose a massive threat to this Arsenal side with the likes of Eden Hazard and Jorginho.

The Arsenal defenders will have to be extremely cautious while the attacking duo of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will have to ensure they bring their absolute best to the plate.

Team News

One of the biggest absences for the Gunners will be Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is set to miss the final due to political differences between his country and Azerbaijan.

Spanish full-back Hector Bellerin remains sidelined and isn’t expected back for this crucial European fixture either.

Aaron Ramsey has completed his transfer to Juventus and announced earlier that their second leg against Napoli was to be his final fixture in a Gunners’ shirt.

January loanee Denis Suarez’s midriff problem has ruled him out of contention, while Danny Welbeck could return in time to make the match day squad in Baku.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Manager: Unai Emery

Formation: 3-4-1-2

GK – Petr Cech

The former Chelsea goalkeeper has the experience and quality to perform at the highest level and is hence expected to start.

RWB – Ainsley Maitland-Niles 

With Hector Bellerin our injured, the young Maitland-Niles has stepped up for the Gunners this season and should feature. 

RCB – Sokratis Papastathopoulos

The Greek international centre-half has been the Gunners’ best defender this season and will keep his place in the side. 

CB – Laurent Koscielny

The Frenchman’s team-wide leadership and dominant presence in the heart of defence will be crucial if Arsenal are to win.

LCB – Nacho Monreal

The Spaniard is originally a left-back but has often been utilised in the central defence role this season due to necessity.

LWB – Sead Kolasinac

The speedster’s darting runs down the flanks have been one of the features of Arsenal’s play and he will have to be at his best. 

CM – Granit Xhaka

The Swiss international midfielder has been an integral part of all of the Gunners’ victories against Chelsea in the recent years. 

CM – Lucas Torreira

The Uruguayan midfielder is expected to play ahead of Matteo Guendouzi as he offers a more mobile and aggressive style of play. 

CAM – Mesut Ozil

The German midfielder hasn’t been in the best form this season but he will certainly be eager to prove himself to the Gunners’ faithful. 

ST – Alexandre Lacazette

The Frenchman’s goals have been extremely important to Arsenal’s progress this season and he will have to be at his best. 

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ST – Pierre Emerick Aubameyang 

The one Arsenal player on the pitch who can change the game in a single moment – expect Aubameyang to take up his usual spot.