Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is considering several adjustments to his starting lineup ahead of Sunday's high-profile Premier League meeting with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, kicking off at 4:30pm BST on September 6, 2026.
Both clubs head into the fixture unbeaten, having claimed victories in their opening two league matches of the season. The contest has been framed as a clash of styles, pitting an Arsenal side that has recorded consecutive clean sheets against a Chelsea attack that has quickly found rhythm in front of goal.
One of the key selection questions concerns Arsenal's defensive setup. Cristhian Mosquera was substituted during the win over Aston Villa on Monday, though the change was described as precautionary rather than injury-related. Nevertheless, Arteta may opt to introduce more experience into his backline, potentially handing Ezri Konsa his first full debut alongside Gabriel at the heart of defence.
Arsenal's midfield options were on full display during the trip to Villa Park, underlining the squad's depth in that area. Bruno Guimaraes made an impact after being introduced from the bench, and his energetic performance could be enough to convince Arteta to hand him a starting role against their London rivals. With Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard almost certain to keep their places, Myles Lewis-Skelly appears the most likely candidate to make way if Guimaraes is promoted to the XI.
Further forward, competition for places is also intensifying. Christos Tzolis struggled to make an impression against Villa, while Eberechi Eze strengthened his case for inclusion by influencing the game positively after coming on at half-time. Despite this, Viktor Gyokeres remains without a single Premier League minute so far this season and is not expected to displace Kai Havertz, given Arteta's consistent trust in the German striker for significant matches.
Bukayo Saka continues to be a standout performer for the Gunners, having started strongly this campaign, and will be aiming to extend his scoring run to three consecutive matches when Chelsea visit north London.
Based on the reported team news, Arsenal's predicted lineup follows a 4-2-3-1 formation: Raya in goal; White, Konsa, Gabriel and Calafiori across the back four; Rice and Guimaraes anchoring midfield; Saka, Odegaard and Tzolis operating in the attacking midfield roles; with Havertz leading the line.
Arsenal will be without defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both sidelined through injury, adding further significance to the decisions Arteta must make regarding his defensive personnel for this pivotal early-season encounter.
With both teams entering the match on the back of positive results, Sunday's fixture promises to test Arsenal's defensive solidity against a Chelsea forward line that has shown early-season sharpness. The outcome could offer an early indication of the title credentials of both sides as the Premier League season progresses.
Fans in the UK will be able to follow the action live on Sky Sports, as attention turns to how Arteta ultimately configures his starting eleven for what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the weekend's Premier League schedule.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.