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Chelsea at Arsenal preseason predicted XI: Never mind, still 3-4-3

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

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) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea is challenged by Rob Holding 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 Adrian Dennis – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea is challenged by Rob Holding 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 Adrian Dennis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right winger

Hakim Ziyech created two clear cut chances that weren’t converted by Tammy Abraham last time out. He has looked sharper this preseason, scoring a hat-trick against Championship side Peterborough FC in one half. The competition for spots in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 is fierce and you can only make a case when you’re given opportunities to play. Ziyech has done just that. Many seem ready to do away with the Moroccan despite him being the most, if not only, creative player at the club.

Tammy Abraham (No. 9) Center forward

Abraham got into very good goal scoring positions against Bournemouth, though he doesn’t offer the versatility of a Timo Werner, but he may not need to. Chelsea needs a striker who can occupy the central areas of the final third and run in behind the back line. It is with strikers like this that players like Ziyech thrive. Ziyech often looks to create goal scoring opportunities whenever he’s on the ball, so players running in behind like Abraham and Werner gives a Ziyech (or any other creator) options. Abraham missed three chances—including one very good one that may have resulted in a goal had he gotten his header right. He may get another chance to convince Tuchel that he can be the man for the job, if it’s still possible to convince him.

Christian Pulisic (No. 10) Left winger

Christian Pulisic played against Peterborough and played well. He also played half the match against Bournemouth in what would go a long way in building his match fitness. He looked lethal and electric last season at several points when he played, but competition for places means you don’t get the chance to play through bad form. He was a standout against Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinal last season, he’d do well to hit those heights again whenever he manages to get onto the pitch.

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Who makes your predicted XI at Arsenal? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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