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[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Arsenal: Can the Blues bag a victory?

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Chelsea players celebrate after a goal. (Getty Images)

Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction: Chelsea line-up

Chelsea travel to Emirates as they take on their rivals Arsenals in a high-intensity encounter on Sunday afternoon.

Frank Lampard’s men have endured a bad patch of form mid-way through the season and nothing but a win against the Gunners would ensure their spot in the top-four. They are heading into this game on the back of a poor 0-2 loss against Southampton on Boxing day.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard (Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard (Getty Images)

On the other hand, Arsenal would be hoping to perform well under their new manager Mikel Arteta after a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in midweek.

However, this will be a test for both the managers who are looking to improve the standards of their respective sides and this fixture would guarantee a blockbuster show.

Team News

Marco Van Ginkel is still recovering from a knee injury and his return to action is unknown. Another victim, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also said to continue on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury earlier this season.

Reece James (Getty Images)
Reece James (Getty Images)

Reece James is considered to be doubtful for the game after he contracted an ankle injury recently.

Probable Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard did well against Southampton but could not do anything about the two goals. He is the first choice in between the sticks and would start for the Blues.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

His experience will be vital in the fixture against the Gunners and is expected to start ahead of Reece James, who has been excellent this season.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Getty Images)
Cesar Azpilicueta (Getty Images)

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

The German was out of action for a long time but his return hasn’t been good enough for the team. He is expected to retain his spot and put in a solid defensive performance.

Fikayo Tomori (CB)

The academy product has done well so far but he would be hoping to help the team with a clean sheet. He is expected to start ahead of Kurt Zouma, who has been shaky this season.

Emerson (LB)

The only bright spark within the team in the last outing, Emerson is growing to become a threat while attacking. He would start for sure.

N’Golo Kante (RCM)

The Frenchman has not lived up to the expectations so far in this campaign. Huge responsibilities would be rested on his shoulders to control the game against Arsenal, as he can be lethal on his day.

N'Golo Kante in action for Chelsea. (Getty Images)
N’Golo Kante in action for Chelsea. (Getty Images)

Jorginho (CDM)

Despite starting the season well, the Italian has been in and out of the team for quite some time in recent weeks. He will be key to hold off any of Arsenal’s threatening attacks.

Mateo Kovacic (LCM)

The Croatian is expected to return to the starting line up after serving his suspension. He can cause all sorts of troubles to the opponents from outside the box.

Willian (RW)

Though he has got his fair share of game time, Willian was unable to emulate his performance which saw him score twice against Tottenham. His pace will play a major role in taking of Arsenal’s shaky defence.

Willian celebrates after scoring for Chelsea. (Getty Images)
Willian celebrates after scoring for Chelsea. (Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic (LW)

Pulisic was pushed to the bench in the last outing and if Chelsea want to create opportunities and score, he must be starting at any cost.

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Tammy Abraham (ST)

The youngster has been in fine form and would be hoping to be clinical with his finishes. He is expected to lead the attack as usual.

Chelsea

Sonia Bompastor Keeps Reason for Paul Green’s Chelsea Exit Private and Confidential as Manager Refuses to Explain Shocking Departure After 13 Years

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Sonia Bompastor remains tight-lipped about Paul Green's unexpected departure from Chelsea after 13 years, keeping the details confidential.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor wants to keep it private and confidential as to why Paul Green suddenly left the club after 13 years. Green left his role as head of women’s football on Monday evening, despite having had a significant impact on their success in the last decade.

https://twitter.com/justcfc/status/2021996620234014993

During his time at the club, the majority spent working with former boss Emma Hayes, and Chelsea won 19 trophies, including six Women’s Super League titles in a row. There was speculation about Green’s departure in reports this week, but when asked if fans deserved more of an explanation, Bompastor said, “I think it’s probably not a question for me to answer. Maybe some other people in the club can answer that question.”

Players Were Sad About Green’s Departure

“Everyone was sad. On a human level, it’s never positive news to have someone leaving the building,” added Bompastor when asked about the reaction to the news. This is clearly a difficult situation for Bompastor, who appeared blindsided by the decision, according to BBC Sport sources.

A number of players in the squad posted about Green’s exit on social media and their subsequent disappointment, including Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright. Striker Sam Kerr said his departure was a big, big loss for the club, while ex-Chelsea boss Hayes described him as the absolute best in the business.

https://twitter.com/CFC__Women/status/2021984234219380850

I Know My Players Are With Me

Following recent concerns, a report in The Athletic suggested some players had not taken to Bompastor’s training methods. But she responded, “I know there is a lot of noise going on about our team outside the environment. I know my players are with me. We are all together focusing on the next game.”

https://twitter.com/SkySportsWSL/status/2020964987007795419

Bompastor insisted the processes are still working and running, despite noticeable disappointments in recent transfer windows. Chelsea are third in the WSL, nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Also read: Revealed: Why Paul Green Left Chelsea Women in Shock Exit as Emma Hayes Departure Exposed Perceived Lack of Leadership at WSL Powerhouse

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Chelsea

Revealed: Why Paul Green Left Chelsea Women in Shock Exit as Emma Hayes Departure Exposed Perceived Lack of Leadership at WSL Powerhouse

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The unexpected departure of Paul Green from Chelsea Women and the leadership concerns raised by Emma Hayes' exit at this WSL powerhouse.

Paul Green left Chelsea Women after the departure of legendary manager Emma Hayes exposed a perceived lack of leadership at the WSL powerhouse, Daily Mail Sport understands. Women’s football was left stunned on Monday when the club announced their head of football had departed following 13 years’ service in an era that saw the team lift 19 trophies.

https://twitter.com/SkySportsWSL/status/2020964987007795419

The move came just a week after Hayes’ replacement, Sonia Bompastor, signed a new contract. In the days previous, Bompastor had voiced her frustration at recruitment during the summer, highlighting a lack of squad depth as one of the reasons Chelsea found themselves nine points behind leaders Manchester City. This criticism clearly struck a nerve with senior figures at Stamford Bridge.

https://twitter.com/CFC__Women/status/2021315378996035916

Green Held Responsible for Leadership Gaps

It is understood that Bompastor’s views reflected a wider view already held by key figures in the club’s hierarchy, and that Green appears to have been held responsible. A review into Chelsea’s disappointing season so far has been carried out and concluded that a fresh structure was needed to best support the staff and players.

Following Hayes’ departure, Chelsea shifted from a manager led model to a head coach model. Hayes was known to have been heavily involved across all areas and took on the vast majority of major decision making. Bompastor’s remit is more that of a pure coach, with a focus on performance and technical style rather than overall running of the club and recruitment.

Transfer Window Identified as Problem Area

Decision makers have put many issues down to gaps that gradually emerged and widened in the club’s leadership post Hayes. The transfer window was one of the areas identified as needing improvement. Chelsea will now seek a replacement as part of a new leadership structure with the aim of ensuring consistency and accountability going forward.

Also read: Chelsea WFC Head of Football Departs After 13 Year Tenure as Long Serving Executive Leaves Following Downturn in Form and Nine Point Gap to Manchester City

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Chelsea

NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Becomes Part of Chelsea Women Ownership Group as Two Time MVP Joins Reddit Co Founder Alexis Ohanian in Latest Investment

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is making waves in sports ownership by joining Chelsea Women's group alongside Reddit's Alexis Ohanian.

Two time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has become a part of Chelsea Women’s Football Club’s ownership group. The Milwaukee Bucks star confirmed his new stake acquisition on the Women’s Super League club on February 8 in a post via social media, joining Reddit Co Founder Alexis Ohanian as the latest investor in Chelsea Women after he acquired a 10% stake in the club in May 2025.

“I’m proud and honoured to partner with my friend Alexis Ohanian, joining the ownership group of Chelsea FC Women, a historic club built on passion, excellence, and a winning culture,” said Antetokounmpo. This is a significant coup for Chelsea Women, bringing in one of basketball’s biggest global stars at a time when they need fresh investment and ideas.

https://twitter.com/OneJoblessBoy/status/2020461667805446216

Latest Football Investment for Greek Freak

Chelsea Women becomes the latest football team the Greek Freak has invested in recent years. Antetokounmpo, alongside his three brothers Thanasis, Alex, and Kostas, acquired an undisclosed stake in Major League Soccer franchise Nashville SC in March 2023.

https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1631313968462544897

Prior to this in August 2021, following his NBA Championship victory with the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo became a minority owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring an undisclosed stake in the Major League Baseball franchise. The NBA star clearly has a passion for sports ownership beyond basketball.

https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/2020820796688490851

Controversial Kalshi Deal Sparks Criticism

In addition to his investment in Chelsea Women, Antetokounmpo also announced he has become an investor in the prediction markets company Kalshi. The announcement was met with widespread criticism, given potential conflicts of interest with an active NBA player investing in a betting related company.

https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/2020336224309784774

Kalshi allows users to buy and sell event contracts to make predictions on sports outcomes. While Kalshi stated Antetokounmpo would be forbidden from trading on NBA related markets, serious questions remain about the appropriateness of this investment.

Also read: Martin Ho Highlights What Tottenham Hotspur WFC Lack After Another Big Game Collapse Against Chelsea

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