Arsenal legend Ian Wright has advised Mikel Arteta to start a crucial player to counter Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez in the upcoming London derby. Arsenal is set to face Chelsea after the international break, and the stakes are high for both teams.
Arsenal, currently sitting in second place in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, has been performing well, with their only downside being a slight goal difference compared to the league leaders, Tottenham Hotspur. In contrast, Chelsea has had a mixed start, sitting in 11th place with three wins, two draws, and three losses in their first eight matches. However, the Blues have started to gain momentum, making the upcoming clash even more intense.
The latest team news for Arsenal reveals some key concerns. They recently secured a significant victory against Manchester City but did so without one of their star players, Bukayo Saka, who was sidelined due to injury. Saka’s fitness remains uncertain, pending a pre-match fitness test. Additionally, William Saliba, who was called up for international duty but withdrew due to a toe injury, is also subject to a late fitness check. These potential absences could necessitate some squad rotation compared to the team that beat Manchester City.
The good news for Arsenal fans is the return of midfield enforcer Thomas Partey, who missed several Premier League games due to a groin injury. He made a second-half appearance against City, hinting at his comeback to full fitness. Journalist Eduardo Hagn has lauded Partey as a “difference maker,” and there is anticipation that Arteta might pair him with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to form a formidable midfield trio. This combination is seen as the strongest in Arsenal’s midfield options.
Kai Havertz had filled in for Partey during his absence, but Partey’s unique presence is hard to match. Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s midfield maestro, poses a significant threat with his ability to initiate play from deep within the midfield. Starting Partey from the beginning could be a strategic move to counter this threat. Fernandez has averaged 10.89 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League this season, the highest of any midfielder, showcasing his playmaking influence.
Partey, if paired with Rice, could ease the defensive burden on the Englishman, as indicated by his average of 2.54 tackles per 90 last season and his strong ball-carrying abilities, averaging 50.67 carries per 90. The combination of Partey and Arsenal’s £105 million man could neutralize Fernandez’s impact, serving as both an anchor in defense and a dynamic force in transitioning from defense to attack.