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Chelsea face their sternest challenge of the season so far as they travel to reigning champions Arsenal at Emirates Stadium for Sunday's marquee fixture.
The Blues have gotten off to a flying start under Xabi Alonso, with high-energy, goal-laden wins over Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion lifting morale in west London. However, taking on England's top side is an entirely different matter, particularly considering Chelsea have claimed just one victory in their last 16 meetings in this fixture.
Alonso faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the trip to Emirates Stadium, most notably in midfield following the Deadline Day exit of Enzo Fernández. He also has choices to make out wide within his favored 3-4-2-1 formation.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Pick Your Chelsea Starting XI!
GK: Emiliano Martínez—Robert Sánchez's disastrous display against Fulham in Chelsea's opening match prompted Alonso to pursue Martínez from Aston Villa—the World Cup winner is undoubtedly a significant step up between the posts.
CB: Reece James—What Alonso will opt for in defense remains an open question. Josh Acheampong is a player the Spaniard rates highly, while Wesley Fofana featured in the opener before being left out. The potential comeback of midfield anchor Moisés Caicedo could see James slot into the backline this time.
CB: Maxence Lacroix—Chelsea have shipped five goals across their first two matches, yet Lacroix has been largely blameless on a personal level.
CB: Levi Colwill—The Englishman's knack for driving balls into midfield and the attacking third proved invaluable last season, and his return from injury is a welcome development.
RWB: Pedro Neto—One might expect Malo Gusto to offer more dependable defensive cover—being a fullback by trade—but Neto's relentless work rate could keep him in contention.
CM: Moisés Caicedo—Doubts over the Ecuadorian's fitness persist, but Alonso will be eager to have him involved after a late substitute appearance against Brighton. If he's anywhere near ready, Caicedo gets the nod.
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CM: Roméo Lavia—The Belgian opened his Chelsea account last weekend, starting back-to-back Premier League games. Given how thin the Blues are in central midfield, keeping Lavia fit throughout the campaign is absolutely vital.
LWB: Jorrel Hato—Hato has thrived in the wing-back role and even chipped in with an assist in the win over Brighton. He does face competition going forward, however, with Pep Chavarría and Marco Palestra offering alternatives for Alonso.
AM: Cole Palmer—It seems Alonso will unlock the best of Palmer, much as he did with Florian Wirtz during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. Two goals and an assist already this season points to yet another dominant campaign from the Englishman.
AM: Morgan Rogers—Arsenal had shown strong interest in Rogers before he made his swift move to Chelsea back in July, and he could make them regret it this weekend after an impressive start to life under Alonso.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro has been in inspired form this calendar year. Following seven preseason goals, he has already racked up four goal contributions in the Premier League this term.