Bukayo Saka returns while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the bench as Arsenal prepare to take on Chelsea at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that started in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford on the opening day of the season as Arsenal get set to play hosts to Chelsea at the Emirates. There is no shuffle in goal, where Bernd Leno keeps hold of his spot ahead of new signing Aaron Ramsdale.
The first changes come in defence, with Cedric Soares coming in for Calum Chambers in the right-back slot. At the heart of the Arsenal backline, Rob Holding replaces Ben White, who misses out after testing positive for the coronavirus. Holding pairs up with Pablo Mari in the central defensive partnership, while Kieran Tierney retains his spot on the left flank.
? Our team news for #ARSCHE ?
◾️ @BukayoSaka87 starts
◾️ Xhaka captains the side
◾️ @Auba returns to the squad
◾️ @HectorBellerin (thigh) and @Ben6White (COVID-19) ruled out— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 22, 2021
Up ahead in midfield, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga once again form the double pivot, with the former even handed the captain’s armband by Arteta. Emile Smith Rowe is the third midfielder in the starting lineup, with the youngster reprising the no. 10 role.
The third and final change comes in the form of Bukayo Saka, who replaces Folarin Balogun. The youngster’s omission means Gabriel Martinelli leads the line for Arsenal against Chelsea, with Nicolas Pepe being the final man in the attacking unit. In some good news, captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is fit enough to make the bench and should make an appearance later in the game.
Arsenal Starting Lineup: Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Sambi, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka, Martinelli
