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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: 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) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James was, on the whole, very good against Manchester City. There were certain parts of his game that were unsatisfactory though. His decision making in the final third is still lacking, and it can get frustrating sometimes. He had one particular opportunity to play Werner through on goal and he didn’t, dribbling until he lost the ball. The issue here is not refusing to play in Werner per se, but the fact that he held on to the ball and then lost it. If you don’t want to play to Werner, play it to someone else. Don’t lose the ball and waste possession.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

N’Golo Kante was good against Manchester City and was a key reason the Blues handled the midfield well. Kante played the full 90 minutes against Real Madrid and Manchester City. Playing those games as a central midfielder means a lot of running. He managed it well. He did misplace nine passes against City though. He wasn’t as busy defensively, making only three defensive actions, but having played 90 minutes against Real Madrid, it’s understandable if he isn’t as active in this match.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central Midfielder, Italy

Jorginho has been superb under Tuchel, it has to be said. He’s one of the ones that has barely gotten any credit for Chelsea’s fortunes, but has gotten heavy criticism for the Blues’ misfortunes. He depends on his intelligence and positioning to manage his lack of speed. But as is widely known in the Premier League, intelligence and positioning can only take you so far, sometimes you need to run. He ranks third best at the club in interceptions per game in the Premier League this season, this indicates he has superb positioning. He’s often crucified for his lack of pace and the ease with which players get around him and that’s not something he can do much about.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21) Left wingback, England

Marcos Alonso stepped in and put out a superb performance, which was only decorated with the goal. His las minute winner against Manchester City was brilliant, chipping Ederson in the way Sergio Aguero wished he could chip Mendy. Alonso managed himself very well, especially considering he had to defend against some players, not excluding Raheem Sterling. Ben Chilwell has been first choice though, and understandably so. The FA Cup final should be factored into this team selection, however, the Arsenal game is just as important in achieving the club’s objectives this season. I wouldn’t want to be the one having to make these decisions.

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