Arsenal and Chelsea are set to collide in a high-stakes Premier League showdown on Sunday afternoon, with both teams battling for vital points in the race for Champions League qualification. However, both sides are grappling with significant injury and suspension issues that could heavily impact their line-ups.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will be without several key players, including Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are also unavailable due to hamstring problems, while Gabriel Jesus remains out with an ACL injury. To add to their woes, Raheem Sterling is ineligible to face his parent club, further limiting Arsenal’s attacking options.
With these absences, Arsenal are expected to field a youthful and dynamic starting eleven. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri is tipped to start in attack alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, while Thomas Partey and Declan Rice will anchor the midfield. The defensive line is set to feature Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães, with David Raya in goal.
On the other hand, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces his own injury crisis. Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended, while Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, and Noni Madueke are all ruled out with hamstring injuries. Omari Kellyman is also unavailable due to fitness issues, and Malo Gusto remains a doubt with an ankle problem.
Despite the setbacks, Chelsea still possess a formidable squad. Their predicted starting eleven includes Robert Sanchez in goal, with Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella forming the backline. In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez will pull the strings, while Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, and Christopher Nkunku support forward Pedro Neto in attack.
This London derby carries significant weight in the Premier League top-four race. Arsenal are aiming to solidify their position in the Champions League spots, while Chelsea are desperate to close the gap and keep their European hopes alive. With both sides missing crucial players, squad depth and tactical flexibility will be key to securing victory.
The absence of key attackers from both sides could lead to a more tactical and defensive battle. Arsenal’s hopes will rest on the creativity of Martin Ødegaard and the pace of Martinelli, while Chelsea will look to Palmer’s vision and Nkunku’s movement to unlock the Gunners’ defense.
As the Emirates prepares for another thrilling encounter, fans will be eager to see which side can overcome their injury setbacks and emerge victorious in this fiercely contested rivalry.
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