Arsenal team news: Ozil dropped? Predicted line-up in London derby versus Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will undertake his first home game as Arsenal manager when his new side face-up against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

The Spaniard’s first game in charge resulted in a competitive 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth, with a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equaliser, saving the Gunners sliding even further down the table.

After the weekend’s results, the Gunners sit 11th and just six points off the bottom-three having won just one of their last 11 Premier League matches.

So with three points very much needed, Arteta has some big decisions to make when selecting his starting XI.

We predict Arsenal’s line-up to take on Frank Lampard’s Chelsea…

GK: Bernd Leno

Has been one of Arsenal’s better players this season and has performed very well for the last month or so.

RB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles 

Maitland-Niles put in an industrious performance down the right side against Bournemouth, and clearly impressed his new manager. 

CB: David Luiz

Despite being unconvincing since his move from Chelsea, the experienced Brazilian seems to be the club’s first-choice centre-back and will no doubt face off against his old club.

CB: Shkodran Mustafi

Arteta gave both Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos minutes against Bournemouth, and it seems a straight shootout between the pair, to partner Luiz.

LB: Bukayo Saka

With both Sead Kolasinac and Kieran Tierney out injured, Arteta may be forced to play youngster Saka out of position like he did on Boxing Day.

DM: Matteo Guendouzi

Was given a rest against Bournemouth mid-week but is expected to be recalled to help combat a strong and competitive Chelsea midfield three.

CM: Granit Xhaka

We predict Arteta to name three defensive players in midfield in hope of nullifying the Chelsea threat, meaning Xhaka should hold his place despite underperforming for most of the season.

CM: Lucas Torreira

New boss Arteta will be hoping Torreira can be the legs in the Arsenal midfield three, preventing their opponents from keeping the ball and joining attacks when he can.

FW: Nicolas Pepe

The £72million man has had a tricky start to his Arsenal career but it’s clear to see he has qualities and Arteta may feel a big fixture will suit him.

FW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Always the first name on the team-sheet as it stands. The Gabon international has 14 goals this term and will be aiming to add to that at the Emirates Stadium.

FW: Alexandre Lacazette

The France international, has not been amongst the goals of late, but there’s not doubting his partnership with Aubameyang, meaning he should get the nod on Sunday.