Arsenal players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday in what proved to be another frustrating afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Having played out 1-1 draws against Crystal Palace and Sheffield United in their last two league games, the 10th-placed Gunners will be under pressure to bounce back then they make the trip across the capital to face London rivals, Chelsea, on Tuesday night.
Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in December and the North Londoners will be keen to make amends in the midweek fixture against the Blues, who lost 1-0 to Newcastle last time around.
Calum Chambers (knee), Kieran Tierney (shoulder), Sead Kolasinac (thigh), Reiss Nelson (thigh) are all ruled out for the midweek trip to Stamford Bridge while Sokratis, who didn’t feature in the game against Sheffield United due to an illness, is on the comeback trail.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains suspended for the red card that he had picked up against Palace earlier in the month.
The German has been Arsenal’s undisputed No.1 between the sticks in the Premier League this season and he is expected to retain his place in the eleven.
The Spaniard was an unused substitute against Sheffield United but he is likely to make it to the playing eleven ahead of Maitland-Niles on Tuesday if he is fit.
The Brazilian didn’t have a very good game when he faced his former club back in December and it will be interesting to see how he goes about things this time around.
Mustafi put in a good shift on Saturday but the former Dortmund man is expected to return to the playing eleven for the high-octane clash if he is fit enough to start.
The academy graduate did an excellent job in an unfamiliar role in the last game and he is likely to start at left-back once again, with Kolasinac and Tierney out of the frame.
Xhaka has shown signs of improvement since the appointment of Arteta and his calmness and experience will hold the key to Arsenal’s fortunes against Chelsea on Tuesday.
Torreira did a good job in the middle against Sheffield United but the Frenchman has been a regular starter and should reclaim his place in the eleven.
The Ivorian seems to be growing in confidence with each passing game and Arteta should continue to rely on him.
The German wizard has apparently regained his old golden touch and the Gunners will rely heavily on his creativity once again on Tuesday.
The Brazilian teenager got his name on the team sheet against the Blades on Saturday and he will be looking to continue his dream start to life in North London.
The Frenchman continues to be Arsenal’s main goal threat in the absence of Aubameyang and he will need to fire on all cylinders on Tuesday if the Gunners are to outwit their London rivals.