Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces several selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The west London club will travel to north London seeking to continue their positive early-season form against a challenging opponent.
Alonso addressed media representatives at the Cobham training complex on Friday, discussing the upcoming fixture.
According to the manager, the priority involves developing adaptability within the squad.
He acknowledged that while the team would likely dominate possession in certain matches, scoring efficiency had proved problematic in recent outings.
Two analysts have put forward their predictions for Chelsea’s starting eleven for the fixture.
One suggested lineup features Emi Martinez between the posts, with Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill forming a back three.
Malo Gusto would occupy the right wing-back position, while Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Jorrel Hato would occupy the midfield positions.
The attacking trio would comprise Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.
An alternative selection places Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix and Wesley Fofana at the heart of the defence.
The midfield would include Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Pedro Neto.
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer would support Joao Pedro in the forward line.
Emi Martinez, who previously represented Arsenal, is set to start in goal.
The Argentine international typically receives a hostile reception when returning to the Emirates but has demonstrated capability in handling such circumstances.
Should Moises Caicedo recover from his injury concern, he would likely feature in the starting lineup.
The Ecuadorian international’s potential inclusion provides Alonso with additional tactical options.
Chelsea have made an encouraging beginning to the campaign, securing victories against Fulham and Brighton in league competition, as well as defeating Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round.
The visit to the Emirates will serve as a meaningful indicator of the team’s development under their new manager.
Some observers have expressed interest in seeing more game time for young talents Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda as the season progresses.