Following the win against Manchester City before the break, Mikel Arteta now has some tough choices to make when Arsenal travel to Chelsea.
Several of Arteta’s squad have been on international duty over the break and the Spainard will now need to assess the readiness of all.
Both Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus will need late checks given their extensive travel back to London.
And Arsenal Insider thinks Arteta will start just one of them against Chelsea.
Going through the XI, Arteta does have some tight calls to make.
There no longer seems to be any doubt between David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, even if the former was nervy at times against City.
Moreover, the back line is now the most settled it’s been all season.
William Saliba should be fine to start despite a toe injury before the break.
And the key choices do start in midfield.
Should Arteta change a winning formula? Does Jorginho deserve to lose his place?
Arteta is left choosing between two former Chelsea players for Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
Arteta now has a very strong Arsenal squad for Chelsea
Arsenal Insider thinks Kai Havertz will now get the nod back at the Bridge.
Arteta has been consistent in the backing of his £65m signing, and even if many believe he’d be better off at striker, he looks destined for another midfield role.
£45m Thomas Partey does have a shout of starting as mentioned, but we think the midfield ‘maestro’ will be allowed more time to recover from a recent injury.
And that just leaves the attacking three.
Arteta looks like he’ll finally have his strongest trio available when Arsenal face Chelsea on Saturday.
Jesus may be a tight call with Eddie Nketiah given his travel and minutes with Brazil – but we think he’ll get the nod.
Moreover, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli should now both be raring to go after a rest during the international break.
It’s a big, historic fixture for The Gunners, and a chance to make another important statement.
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