The three big decisions Unai Emery must make ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea

The three big decisions Unai Emery must make ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea

After being defeated in his opening game as Arsenal manager, Unai Emery has another tough ask as he bids to claim his first win in English football when he takes his team to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea at Saturday.

The Gunners were never really given a look-in by champions Manchester City, who eased to a 2-0 success thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva, and things will hardly get easier when they travel across the capital.

Chelsea were themselves in full control as they eased past Huddersfield Town in their opening game, and they could recall Eden Hazard from the start such are the options available to Maurizio Sarri.

If Emery is to move on from last weekend's disappointment what factors does he have to consider and how can he orchestrate his first Arsenal win since he replaced Arsene Wenger?

Matteo Guendouzi or Lucas Torreira?

The three big decisions Unai Emery must make ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea

Frenchman Guendouzi looked overwhelmed and outclassed against Manchester City - as many with his limited experience might - but it could be that his future outings are left for lower key opponents.

If Chelsea, as expected, do throw everything at Arsenal on their own patch then bringing in Torreira both as a ball-winner and as a player capable of keeping the ball could be key to stemming the flow.

Torreira played just 20 minutes against City and a string of fans and former Arsenal players were disappointed to see him restricted to a substitute outing.

The 22-year-old's involvement in the World Cup may be linked to Emery leaving him on the bench but the appetite for the Uruguay international to start this weekend is insatiable.

Will Lacazette and Aubameyang play together?

The three big decisions Unai Emery must make ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal looked an entirely different proposition going forward once Alexandre Lacazette came on to play in behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Sunday.

Aaron Ramsey made way and it gave the hosts a new threat in attack and though they weren't able to register, it gave City something to think about.

Can the France international keep his place? It would be bold of Emery to adopt an attacking guise this weekend and not at least attempt to match up Chelsea's midfield three.

Nevertheless, Emery must identify his first choice front four without much more delay.

Arsenal fans have been debating all summer which of Aubameyang and Lacazette will lead the attack and while the Gabon man has the edge, many would like to see them play together.

The subtext of Ramsey's failure to agree a new contract may also play a part in the selection, with the midfielder unlikely to be happy if he is left out while fresh terms are being discussed.

The left-back dilemma

The three big decisions Unai Emery must make ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea

Such has been Arsenal's fortunes when it has come to injuries in recent seasons Wenger would have been well-served leaving a dossier for his replacement.

That there was a fitness concern in the first half of Emery's opening game in charge should come as no surprise as Ainsley Maitland-Niles went off with a knee problem after a collision with Kyle Walker.

Stephan Lichsteiner came on out-of-position at left-back but the Swiss veteran cannot be a long-term option in that position.

Nacho Monreal has a knee injury and is not likely to be ready in time to face Chelsea while Sead Kolasinac has a similar problem which will keep him out for two months.

Moving another defender to the left-side is an option, but it would leave the back-four horribly unbalanced.

Rob Holding and Lichtsteiner are among the candidates, while a defensive-minded midfielder likes Mohamed Elneny could be considered as a last ditch solution.

Nevertheless, it is a dilemma which will leaves Pedro, Willian and Eden Hazard licking their lips.

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