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Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted XI: Does Koulibaly make his debut in 3-4-3?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Trevoh Chalobah #14 of Chelsea dribbles the ball up the pitch against Club América during their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsea defeated Club América 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 16: Trevoh Chalobah #14 of Chelsea dribbles the ball up the pitch against Club América during their preseason friendly match at Allegiant Stadium on July 16, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsea defeated Club América 2-1. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JULY 20: Raheem Sterling of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JULY 20: Raheem Sterling of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Chelsea FC and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Hakim Ziyech (No. 22) Right winger, Morocco

Hakim Ziyech created another big chance in a preseason game. This doesn’t include the very good crosses that missed their target by a hair’s width. Chelsea needs someone to control the attack in possession and Ziyech has shown that he should be that guy. Raheem Sterling cannot fulfill that role for Chelsea because he’d contribute more with off-the-ball movement. In terms of creative passing, Ziyech is the best Chelsea has. While many fans have complaints about him, he offered the Blues the most value in terms of high quality chance creation last season. He seems set to stay at Chelsea, even though many still seem to think he’ll leave.

Kai Havertz (No. 29) Center forward, Germany

Michy Batshuayi was very good in the last two games, despite not scoring. He set up the move that led to Christian Pulisic’s goal against Charlotte in the 29′. His hold-up and aerial play were good. As irritating as it may be for fans to hear, Batshuayi may just have a role to play for the Blues this season. Chelsea doesn’t have a center forward it can trust to produce enough goals to challenge for anything. Batshuayi doesn’t have to play that much, but having him available gives him a chance to contribute to the Blues when called upon. If he delivers, he will be trusted with more chances. That said, Chelsea seems to have decided to trust Kai Havertz as the center forward in the new season, and it may be time to play him with a creator like Ziyech and a quick, intelligent runner like Sterling.

Raheem Sterling (No. 7) Left winger, England

Sterling showed flashes of brilliance against Charlotte, though he didn’t get many chances to do much. The Arsenal game is as close to Premier League quality and intensity as you can get, so this will be a fantastic opportunity to see what Sterling would actually look like for Chelsea in the majority of his games.

Next. Chelsea vs Arsenal match preview: How to watch FC Series. dark

Who do you see making the Blues’ starting XI? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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