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Chelsea predicted XI vs Arsenal: 3-4-3 to avoid Gunners’ double

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea FC and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea FC and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea holds off Joe Willock of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Andrew Boyers – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea holds off Joe Willock of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Andrew Boyers – Pool/Getty Images) /

Chelsea welcomes mid-table Arsenal to Stamford Bridge in what is a crucial game for the Blues in their pursuit for Champions League qualification. The reverse fixture saw the two teams switch form, with Chelsea coming from a 17-game unbeaten run and Arsenal coming from a run of seven defeats from their previous 10. Unfortunately, Arsenal played like it was the one in Chelsea’s form and vice versa. The Blues were beyond appalling in that game, giving Chelsea fans a first-hand experience on what Arsenal supporters witness weekly. Edouard Mendy made four saves in that game and still conceded three goals. No player was good in that game, none. The Blues have an FA Cup final clash to worry about on Saturday, but they do also have to take the schedule on a game-by-game-basis.

Here’s who we think Thomas Tuchel trusts to correct the mess that was the reverse fixture:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

The amount of goals Chelsea conceded against these opponents in the reverse fixture masked Mendy’s performance. The Senegalese did a lot to make sure that Chelsea didn’t concede more than three goals in that game, making four very good saves. Mendy has been the Blues’ key man in defense, with other defenders able to be rotated out. Mendy has kept 16 clean sheets in 29 games this season and he has ensured they are entering the Champions League final with only four goals conceded and eight clean sheets.

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

Cesar Azpilicueta deserves a lot of credit for where the Blues are now. Recall that the captain was not featuring much in the side prior to Tuchel’s arrival. Chelsea’s turn in form directly links with the inclusion of one of the few leaders in the side. Azpilicueta has been the perfect player, servant and professional. He has been ready to perform in any position the manger has called him to. He has played two main positions under the German, and has excelled in both. Azpilicueta wins a lot of aerial duels for a player that isn’t tall, which is a testament to his determination to deliver for the side. The Blues had an embarrassment of a performance earlier in the season against Arsenal, the skipper would be tasked with making sure that doesn’t repeat it self

Kurt Zouma (No. 15) Centerback, France

Kurt Zouma was a game changer against Manchester City. His intelligence, calmness and bravery in highly volatile situations ensured the Blues stayed in the game and gave themselves a fighting chance. He has scored five league goals this season, three assisted by Mason Mount, and his aerial dominance means the Blues have an advantage in set piece situations.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has been Chelsea’s most productive centerback apart from Azpilicueta. Even before Tuchel arrived, Rudiger had registered as many clean sheets as games played under Lampard this season. His passing has been very good, and his control of the left side of the defense has been exemplary. He is Chelsea’s tallest centerback, and his presence in the side has improved the Blues chances of locking out opposition attackers. He has played a lot of games recently though and so he just might be rested, but he’s been so effective at the left centerback role that it’s easy to see him getting another go.

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