Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted XI: 3-4-1-2 in the London Derby

Chelsea and Arsenal are both looking to finish in the top four and qualify for a place in next season’s Champions League. The Blues marched past Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium over the weekend to reach the final of the FA Cup for the fifth time in the last six years. Meanwhile, the Gunners were beaten by Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday. The two teams are trending in completely opposite directions, despite their relatively close proximity to one another in the Premier League table. They will square off in a highly anticipated Premier League contest from Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at Thomas Tuchel’s predicted starting XI for the midweek London Derby:

Edouard Mendy (No.16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy has been pretty inconsistent in the past few games. He committed the horrible mistake against Real Madrid in the first leg and his performance in the second leg wasn’t that great either. Mendy will have to ensure that he communicates with the back line and doesn’t commit any more errors leading to goals. It is time for Chelsea to display the cruel defensive ruthlesness from last season. Expect Mendy to put in a commanding shift against Arsenal.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Right centerback, Denmark

As long as Andreas Christensen is employed by Chelsea Football Club, he should feature in the line-up. There is no point pondering over the future anymore with his transfer to Barcelona practically sealed. The Blues have his services until the end of the season and the smart thing to do is play him. He has put in some questionable performances this season, including some awful marking against Real Madrid, but his pace and awareness has allowed Chelsea to play a high line in some games. Christensen has helped quite a lot under Thomas Tuchel.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Chelsea versus Arsenal is always a high-profile game, irrespective of the form of either side. Thiago Silva must return to the side for such a game. This season, the Brazilian has been Chelsea’s best centreback. He has put in some monumental performances over the course of the year. The 37-year-old hasn’t made a single error leading to a goal or even a shot. While Silva hasn’t been at his absolute best in a few recent games, the Blues need character on the pitch against Arsenal and Silva oozes character. His mere presence is enough to bring a calming sense to the entire side. Expect Silva to start against the Gunners and be an absolute wall at the back.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger has been in the form of his life under Tuchel. He has been one of the best defenders in the league and he undoubtedly deserves a new contract. However, the saga seems to be stretching for way too long, especially given the current ownership situation. The latest reports suggest that Rudiger wants to make a decision this month and his family is happy in London. These are positive signs for Chelsea, but the board needs to be careful with this decision. Its call on Rudiger’s extension will likely impact all future contract discussions for players such as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, who have one year left on their contracts. Regardless of how this turns out, expect Rudiger to put in a commanding performance against Arsenal.