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Chelsea and Arsenal are both aiming to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season. Over the weekend, the Blues marched past Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium to reach the FA Cup final for the sixth time in the previous six years. Meanwhile, the Gunners were defeated by Southampton on Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium. Despite their near proximity in the Premier League table, the two teams are heading in very separate ways. On Wednesday, they will face off in a high-profile Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.
Here is Thomas Tuchel’s expected starting lineup for the London Derby on Wednesday:
Mendy, Edouard (No.16) Senegal’s goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy has been erratic over the last few games. He made a terrible error against Real Madrid in the first leg, and his performance in the second leg wasn’t any better. Mendy will need to make sure he interacts with the back line and doesn’t make any more mistakes that lead to goals. Chelsea’s brutal defensive ruthlessness from last season must return. Mendy is expected to put up a dominant performance against Arsenal.
Andreas Christensen (No. 4) of Denmark, right center back
Andreas Christensen should be in the starting lineup as long as he is hired by Chelsea Football Club. There’s no point in worrying about his future now that he’s almost certain to join Barcelona. The Blues have his services till the end of the season, so it’s best to use him. He’s had some questionable performances this season, including some terrible marking against Real Madrid, but his speed and awareness have allowed Chelsea to play a high line in some games. Under Thomas Tuchel, Christensen has been of great assistance.
Brazil’s Thiago Silva (No. 6) is a center back.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal is always a high-profile match, regardless of either team’s form. Thiago Silva must be reintroduced into the starting lineup for such a game. The Brazilian has been Chelsea’s top centerback this season. Throughout the year, he has delivered some outstanding performances. The 37-year-old hasn’t made a single mistake that has resulted in a goal or even a shooting. While Silva hasn’t been at his best in recent games, the Blues need character on the field against Arsenal, and Silva exudes it. His sheer presence brings a sense of peace to the entire side. Silva is expected to start against the Gunners and to be an absolute wall at the back.
Rudiger, Antonio (No. 2) Germany’s left centerback
Under Tuchel, Antonio Rudiger has been in the best shape of his life. He has been one of the league’s top defenders, and he unquestionably deserves a new contract. However, the story appears to be going on for much too long, particularly given the current ownership status. According to the latest reports, Rudiger intends to make a decision this month and that his family is happy in London. These are encouraging indicators for Chelsea, but the board must proceed with caution. Its decision on Rudiger’s extension will almost certainly have an impact on any future contract negotiations for players with one year left on their contracts, like as Jorginho and N’Golo Kante. Whatever happens, expect Rudiger to put in a commanding performance against Arsenal.
