Mikel Arteta to make seven Arsenal changes for Carabao Cup game vs Chelsea

Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners progressed to the FA Cup fourth round yesterday after a convincing 4-1 win at Championship side Portsmouth.

They now face a stiffer challenge against the Blues in the League Cup, having drawn in their previous three away meetings.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta could make seven changes to the starting XI.

Saliba & Timber back in defence

William Saliba was completely rested for Sunday’s game at Fratton Park, while Jurrien Timber was only a second-half substitute. The duo are poised to return to the starting XI.

Saliba should come in to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence with Christian Norgaard dropping to the bench. Timber is set to replace Ben White in the right-back role.

Zubimendi, Rice & Odegaard return in midfield

Arteta experimented with a midfield trio of Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri and Eberechi Eze against Pompey. None of them particularly stood out against the South Coast outfit.

The manager has an easy decision to make on Wednesday. Martin Zubimendi should replace Merino in the number six role, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are set to come in for Nwaneri and Eze.

Saka & Gyokeres to be reinstated in attack

Noni Madueke bagged a couple of assists from corners, but he was guilty of squandering a big penalty. He should make way for Bukayo Saka, who should be reinstated on the right wing in midweek.

Gabriel Jesus provided a fabulous assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s second goal, but Arteta is likely to rely on Viktor Gyokeres’ good hold-up play and physical presence at the start of the London derby.

The Swede has netted just seven goals across all competitions, but he has brought a different dimension to Arsenal’s attack, creating space for his teammates by keeping defenders occupied.

No more changes are likely on the cards. Kepa Arrizabalaga is the Cup goalkeeper for the Gunners, and could be handed the gloves again ahead of regular number one David Raya.

Magalhaes is set to continue in central defence. The same can be said for Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie doubtful for the London derby.

Gabriel Martinelli is most likely to keep his place on the left wing ahead of Leandro Trossard on the back of scoring his maiden Arsenal hat-trick against Pompey away from home.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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