Leandro Trossard new role, Lewis-Skelly riding wave of momentum – Arsenal line-ups vs Chelsea

Arsenal might not have won in midweek, but the euphoria of setting up a Champions League tie against Real Madrid certainly will not wear off for a while. However, the side need to rediscover their focus for the clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Mikel Arteta has overseen a poor run of matches in the Premier League, failing to win in the last three, and while the title is almost certainly over, an away win for the Blues would see the gap close to just three points while a win would effectively see off the threat of dropping below Enzo Maresca’s side.

It could be the first time that we see Arsenal’s “new-look”, in the loosest sense of the words, front three as Gabriel Martinelli prepares for his first Premier League start.football.london give their thoughts on who they would start on Sunday.

Tom Canton

There is definitely an excitement back after the Champions League reality and a London derby to finish this run of games before the first international break of the year. It is a chance too to see Gabriel Martinelli return to the side and bring an end to Mikel Merino striker experiment.

Leandro Trossard, it would be assumed, is the more natural choice, but at the same time, the Belgian did not look much better than Merino in midweek when he replaced him. That said, when Bukayo Saka eventually returns, there is a chance to see one of Nwaneri or Martinelli play through the middle.

There is a choice to be made at left-back, but with the momentum of an England call-up, Myles Lewis-Skelly will surely be in great form and mood to take on Chelsea. The rest of the side effectively picks itself with the chance to even bring some players on that were not there before – except Raheem Sterling who cannot play against his parent club.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli

Sam Truelove

Arsenal do not play until April 1 after Sunday's fixture against Chelsea so it's vital Mikel Arteta's side go into the international break with a win. With David Raya obviously starting in goal, I expect William Saliba to come back into the side to partner Gabriel at centre-back, with the Frenchman getting a well-deserved rest against PSV in midweek.

Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to impress at left-back and I'd start him again here, while Jurrien Timber comes back in on the right as Ben White continues to build up fitness.

Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard would be my midfield three of choice. I did like what Oleksandr Zinchenko showed on Wednesday night, though, and the Ukrainian can come off the bench if needed.

The front line is where decisions need to be made. Raheem Sterling cannot play due to being on loan from Chelsea so Ethan Nwaneri comes in on the right, while the Mikel Merino experiment needs to end, and I would instead go with Leandro Trossard down the middle. Gabriel Martinelli can start on the left with all three forwards given some sort of licence to roam and express themselves - hopefully!

Truelove's XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.

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