Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted Starting Lineups for Premier League Clash Following Saka Update.
Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted Starting Lineups for Premier League Clash Ahead of Saka Update
Arsenal and Chelsea will face off in a Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the top four and increase their chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Mikel Arteta’s side cruised to the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven in their previous round, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United in their most recent league outing. On the other hand, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League after a comfortable win over FC Copenhagen, following their 1-0 victory over Leicester last weekend.
Both teams are dealing with injury concerns and selection dilemmas ahead of this match, and here’s how GIVEMESPORT expects them to line up.
Arsenal Injury and Suspension Updates
Arsenal have had limited attacking options recently due to injuries to key players such as Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli. This has seen players like Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino being deployed out of position.
While Martinelli has made his return, Saka remains sidelined and won’t return until after the international break. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out for the season, but Arteta has several choices in defense and midfield. Raheem Sterling is ineligible to face his parent club Chelsea.
Arsenal Injuries and Suspensions:
| Player | Injury | Potential Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| Raheem Sterling | Ineligible | 02/04/2025 |
| Bukayo Saka | Hamstring | 02/04/2025 |
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | Knee | 01/06/2025 |
| Kai Havertz | Hamstring | 01/06/2025 |
| Gabriel Jesus | Knee | 22/11/2025 |
Arteta’s Team News Update:
In his pre-match press conference, Arteta provided an update on his squad:
“No [Saka isn’t ready], he’s making great progress and getting closer. We now have more options, but we have to manage the load. Martinelli is a bit ahead of schedule, but we don’t want to push him too much.”
Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya; Timbert, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli.
Arsenal Predicted Substitutes: Neto (GK), Calafiori (DEF), White (DEF), Tierney (DEF), Kiwior (DEF), Zinchenko (DEF), Jorginho (MID), Merino (MID), Butler-Oyedeji (FWD).
With Sterling ineligible and Martinelli back in the fold, Arteta could opt for a more flexible attacking setup with Leandro Trossard leading the line, while Mikel Merino likely returns to the bench alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White.
Chelsea Injury and Suspension Updates
Chelsea made it through to the next round of the Europa Conference League despite resting several key players, and they should be able to welcome them back for this match. Wesley Fofana is fit again and expected to return, while Romeo Lavia could also be in contention for selection.
However, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke, and Malo Gusto are all unavailable due to injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended as he awaits a doping hearing.
Chelsea Injuries and Suspensions:
| Player | Injury | Potential Return Date |
|---|---|---|
| Malo Gusto | Knock | 16/03/2025 |
| Marc Guiu | Hamstring | 02/04/2025 |
| Nicolas Jackson | Hamstring | 02/04/2025 |
| Noni Madueke | Hamstring | 02/04/2025 |
| Omari Kellyman | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Mykhailo Mudryk | Suspended | Unknown |
Maresca’s Team News Update:
Maresca also shared some insight into his squad:
“Yes, Robert will play against Arsenal. We are happy with both goalkeepers, but we have to be flexible with personnel and adapt to the game plan. We’ve lost key players like Nico Jackson and Noni Madueke, but we have to move forward and other players have stepped up.”
Chelsea Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.
Chelsea Predicted Substitutes: Jorgensen (GK), Chalobah (DEF), Badiashile (DEF), Tosin (DEF), Lavia (MID), Amougou (MID), Dewsbury-Hall (MID), George (FWD), Mheuka (FWD).
After being rested in midweek, Cole Palmer should return to the starting lineup as he looks to end a long goal drought. £45,000-a-week midfielder Lavia is expected to be on the bench after recovering from injury, while young players Tyrique George and Shim Mheuka also make the bench.
This high-stakes match promises to be a crucial one for both teams as they continue their fight for a top-four finish.
