Arsenal Unleashes Star Power Against Chelsea as Key Players Storm Back for Crucial First Leg
Arsenal appear perfectly positioned to break their six-year trophy drought, with Mikel Arteta's squad remaining competitive across four different tournaments.
The North London club is pursuing the sport's most prestigious honors once again this campaign, though many fans hope their silverware absence concludes before an intensely pressure-filled finale commences.
Arsenal have been eliminated at this Carabao Cup phase repeatedly during Arteta's tenure, including just last season, yet they're expected to progress past Liam Rosenior's Chelsea across their two-match series. The victor between Newcastle United and Manchester City will meet them at Wembley on March 16.
Fitness concerns are beginning to ease, and the Gunners are well-prepared for their semi-final encounter. Though the Blues have troubled them at Stamford Bridge during the previous two campaigns, Arteta won't need to worry about additional Enzo Maresca tactics in west London this Wednesday. This represents Liam Rosenior's Chelsea era, and expectations remain unclear.
An away victory would position them favorably, and here's the squad Arteta might select for the opening leg.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-3-3)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea (4-3-3)
GK: David Raya—Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to secure a clean sheet during his uncommon appearance over the weekend, making Raya's return on Wednesday virtually guaranteed.
RB: Jurriën Timber—Timber was among multiple Arsenal field players who received rest at Portsmouth, so the Dutch defender should be eager for midweek action.
CB: William Saliba—Arteta has acknowledged Saliba remains questionable for this fixture, though considering the match's importance, witnessing the French defender's comeback wouldn't be shocking.
CB: Gabriel—Gabriel missed the November encounter but has swiftly regained his dominant form following injury recovery—aside from his terrible mistake at Bournemouth. In what might be a tactical battle, Gabriel's set-piece abilities could prove crucial again for the visitors.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly—Arsenal face several fitness doubts on their defensive left flank, creating an opportunity for Lewis-Skelly to feature in west London.
CM: Martín Zubimendi—Zubimendi required only a brief appearance over the weekend, with Arteta providing the Spanish midfielder some relief. He performed poorly in the earlier Blues meeting, so he'll seek redemption on hostile ground.
CM: Declan Rice—Many consider Rice a contender for PFA Player of the Year, and undoubtedly the English midfielder will prove essential in any championship pursuit the Gunners undertake this season.
CM: Martin Ødegaard—Eberechi Eze remains struggling at his new destination, while Ødegaard excelled throughout the holiday and New Year stretch. He'll return to the starting eleven here.
RW: Bukayo Saka—Arteta must exercise care with his premier right-sided attacker, particularly with sufficient backup available. Nevertheless, Saka will rejoin the lineup Wednesday evening, hoping to deliver a match-winning display that could decide the tie against Chelsea.
ST: Viktor Gyökeres—Gyökeres's struggles have been widely reported, and his playing time will likely decrease once Kai Havertz reaches full fitness. Arteta might offer him one final opportunity to prove himself before the German reclaims his starting position.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli—Martinelli deserves the opportunity to capitalize on the confidence earned from his maiden Arsenal treble, which concluded a chaotic week.
