The Gunners bounced back in style in the previous gameweek, securing a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers after a recent defeat to Aston Villa. Leandro Trossard scored a stunning goal, and Martin Ødegaard’s last-minute goal sealed the win for Arsenal. Their solid overall performance helped them end a three-game winless run and move back to the top of the Premier League, level on points with Liverpool but with a better goal difference. However, Manchester City has played one game less than them.
Chelsea enters the match following a disappointing defeat in the FA Cup semi-finals. They lost out narrowly to Manchester City, who scored the only goal of the game through Bernardo Silva. However, their latest Premier League game was a much happier affair, with a 6-0 thrashing of Everton. Cole Palmer, who has scored 20 goals this season, netted four times in that match and is a strong contender for the Golden Boot. Currently positioned at 9th, Chelsea is behind on fixtures, but if they can earn points in their remaining games, they could qualify for European competition next season.
Also read: Wembley Awaits Four Teams: Coventry City Vs Man United.
The reverse fixture in October at Stamford Bridge saw the host take the lead twice through Palmer’s penalty and Mudryk’s goal but Arsenal managed to turn back the tie as they came back from behind through goals from Declan Rice and a super sub strike from Trossard. Things could heat up with plenty of goals scored this time around which guarantees this to an entertaining Noth London derby.
Can Pochettino upset Arsenal at the Emirates or will Mikel Arteta end Chelsea’s European hopes for next season?
When and Where?
Date: 23rd April 2024, Tuesday.
Time: 20:00 HRS BST
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Officials
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Simon Long.
Fourth official: Graham Scott.
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Simon Bennet.
Team News
Arsenal currently boast a clean bill with no players sidelined. Jurien Timber recently recovered from an ACL injury and made a successful return playing and scoring a goal for the Arsenal U21 side.
Takehiro Tomiyasu who missed the fixture against Wolves as a precaution after picking up a knock in the Bayern fixture is expected to play vs Chelsea. Manager Mikel Arteta might consider rotating the squad to manage fatigue after a busy period of matches.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will be facing a significant challenge in attack as their top scorer, Cole Palmer, is ruled out due to illness. They also have a lengthy injury list that includes Nkunku, Colwill, Reece James, Lavia, Fofana, and Robert Sanchez. Malo Gusto is also a doubt as he undergoes medical treatment. This lack of attacking options could force manager Pochettino to adjust his tactics for the crucial North London derby.
Pre-Match Tactical Analysis
Arsenal will look at this fixture not only from the derby factor with emotions running high but also as they have the massive title to aim for. Arteta side would want their most consistent performers to turn up and make the difference on the brightest of stages.
Chelsea have shown moments of brilliance all throughout the season, but one word that sums up their season is inconsistency. Inconsistency in front of goal or even at the back, they lack that cutting edge in being clinical and always being dependent on 1-2 of their star players to deliver them performances and take them over the line.
The Blues have been that side who thrive when space is given, mostly benefitting from quick counterattacks. It’ll be of utmost importance for Arsenal to win the midfield battle, necessarily playing a double pivot of Rice and Jorginho. Central progression being blocked and wings being overloaded will give Chelsea very little to create from.
Arsenal have been struggling to break open a midblock lately, vs Villa and Bayern. If Chelsea do manage to play one with their midfield generals Enzo and Caicedo with Gallagher running the length of the pitch, things could get tricky for Arsenal’s midfield to get on the ball and dictate terms and show their creativity.
Also read: Should Liverpool Consider Unai Emery?
Key Players
Leandro Trossard
Arsenal’s most clutch player this season has been Trossard, always delivering when being called upon. Leandro was the driving force behind Arsenal’s victory at the weekend over Wolves. Scored his 3rd goal in his last 5 appearances and upped his tally to 14 goals in all competitions this season. His versatility to fit anywhere into the front line poses a significant threat. The cool and composed nature and ability to score goals from any opportunity you present to him makes him a key asset in Arsenal’s set-up.
Enzo Fernandez
The Argentinian international has been at the heart of their midfield ever since he’s signed for the Blues. Often made to set the tempo and dictate play for the Blues, Enzo is a key player for Chelsea in many ways. His vertical passes after receiving the ball from the first phase and chipped balls in open spaces that end up opening up a defence is something to look out for. If Chelsea does play a mid-block and make things difficult for Arsenal, Enzo shows resilience and discipline maintaining a block which could be a real task for Arsenal to break open.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Raya, White, Saliba, Maghalaes, Tomiyasu; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Sanchez, Cucurella, Chalobah, Silva, Disasi, Enzo, Caicedo, Gallagher, Madueke, Sterling, Jackson.
