Odegaard starts, Havertz and Rice overcome injury, Nwaneri call – Dream Arsenal XI vs Chelsea

Arsenal take on Chelsea in a huge game at Stamford Bridge this weekend which could prove to be either a turning point or quite the opposite for the Gunners this weekend. A defeat would see Chelsea move three points clear but perhaps more importantly Liverpool may move ten points above them.

Arsenal are winless in the league since a 3-1 victory over Southampton before the last international break and could go into the next one without a single league victory in this period. Mikel Arteta has more injury concerns but also could be boosted by the return of one of his biggest stars.

In a dream scenario, the Gunners of course will want as many of their players in question available. football.london takes a look at what the best-case scenario could indeed look like.

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The back five including David Raya are thankfully unscathed from the week’s drama. Ben White will partner William Saliba on the right-hand side while Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber will look to improve their own understanding as the left side continues to have struggles.

Into midfield and while Arteta was unable to commit to Declan Rice’s availability after also failing to confirm whether he had indeed suffered a broken toe in this scenario the England international will aim to play through the pain as has been suggested. Thomas Partey continues alongside him, with the Ghanaian, touch wood, still able to play for the Gunners.

Martin Odegaard came on against Inter in the final few minutes of the game and Arteta has already spoken of how he continues to surprise many with his recovery from injury. He is not set to join up with the Norway side which might see him therefore not start here but it could be his recovery allows it with a full fortnight to rest before the festive fixtures begin.

Kai Havertz suffered a nasty head collision which forced him off in midweek. However, Arteta appeared to downplay the issue and was vague on Friday with hope that he should be back and therefore does start.

Raheem Sterling is out of the clash as he cannot play against his parent club. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka therefore will start allowing Leandro Trossard the opportunity to make his impact off the bench, as he did last season, scoring the equaliser late on.

Dream Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Partey, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli