The Chelsea lineup that should start against Arsenal
By Tom Gott
Chelsea can effectively guarantee a top-four finish in the Premier League on Wednesday, and doing so against rivals Arsenal would make the accomplishment even sweeter.
It's an enormous game for Thomas Tuchel's side, but the boss also has the small matter of Saturday's FA Cup final against Leicester City to contend with. With the Champions League final coming up soon too, squad rotation is key.
Here's how Chelsea should line up for this one.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - Kepa has played every FA Cup game this season and may keep his place for the final, so Mendy's involvement in this one is an obvious no-brainer.
Kurt Zouma (CB) - With Andreas Christensen injuring his hamstring against Man City, Chelsea are short on numbers at the back. Thiago Silva needs protecting more than most, so expect the Brazilian to sit out this one with Zouma selected instead.
Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - A lack of alternatives will mean that Azpilicueta does not get the chance to rest for this one. He's been excellent this season and will hopefully have a few more top performances in his legs.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - Overwhelmingly dominant against City, Rudiger deserves every minute Chelsea can offer him right now.
2. Midfielders
Callum Hudson-Odoi (RM) - Excellent off the bench against City, Hudson-Odoi deserves another chance to show what he can do from the start. Reece James can have a rest before the cup final.
Jorginho (CM) - Rested for most of the City game, Jorginho should be nice and fresh for this one, and that means N'Golo Kante can have a deserved sit-down.
Billy Gilmour (CM) - With Mateo Kovacic not yet fit, Gilmour deserves to keep his spot in the team. He was sublime against City and looks to have won Tuchel over.
Ben Chilwell (LM) - Dropping Marcos Alonso after his game-winner is a little harsh, but Chilwell is the better defender and may be needed to deal with Bukayo Saka down the wing.
Mason Mount (AM) - Nobody at Chelsea will want to beat Arsenal more than Mount. He was rested against City and will be raring to go.
Timo Werner (AM) - Until he learns the offside rule, let's keep Werner a bit further back. He's still a gamechanger, but my heart can't take another offside goal.
3. Forward
Kai Havertz (ST) - Havertz's best performances at Chelsea have come as a striker. He bagged two last time out against Fulham and will want more in such a big game.