Jesus starts, Odegaard returns amid Arteta formation change - Arsenal lineups vs Chelsea

Arsenal must win their clash with Chelsea on Sunday if they want to keep their title hopes alive. The Gunners could fall three behind the Blues and even more behind their more recognised title rivals.

Mikel Arteta is under intense scrutiny from many supporters, and it is on him to try and find a route back into the title race. A win at Chelsea would be a massive boost, but the lineup has many question marks due to fitness and injury.

Arteta needs to get his selection right ahead of what is probably Arsenal’s biggest game of the season so far. Thankfully, football.london's Arsenal writers are on hand to give their view on who should start for the Gunners on Wednesday.

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Tom Canton

A big game requires big decisions and perhaps taking big risks. Martin Odegaard’s fitness will be one of those gambles that might need to be taken.

The big question for me though is who starts on the left-hand side. With Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both struggling for form and delivery and therefore another chance could be what is best for the day.

Gabriel Jesus is the next option to go for with the Brazilian bringing the Gunners more in their clash with Inter Milan. Ethan Nwaneri would be my pick for ten if the skipper is not ready to start, moving away from the fragmented structure Mikel Arteta has used in his absence as Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka have suffered as a result.

Jurrien Timber may have the task of keeping Cole Palmer quiet, who likes to drift right. Ben White too will be made to work hard on with the Chelsea left-flank ready to punish the Gunners.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Cheslea: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Jesus

Kaya Kaynak

Something has to change to get Arsenal out of this rut. I think that can start with the line up against Chelsea.

The defence can stay the same, mind you. Ben White being back is huge, and I think Jurrien Timber is the best available option Arsenal have to nullify Cole Palmer.

In midfield I'm ditching the 4-4-2 though. Thomas Partey starts in the six with Declan Rice at left eight. Then I'm taking a gamble on the fitness of Martin Odegaard. He's not going away with Norway so why not take the risk.

In the front line I'm sticking with Kai Havertz and going for Gabriel Jesus on the left wing just for the sake of mixing it up a bit. On the right Bukayo Saka has a superb record against Chelsea so he is an obvious pick.

Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Chelsea - Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Jesus