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Xabi Alonso leaves Chelsea star's agents 'in fear' after Arsenal defeat

Xabi Alonso has left a Chelsea star's agent fearing that the player might struggle for regular first-team game time this season following Sunday's defeat at Arsenal Estevao's camp are worried that Xabi Alonso will continue to use him at right wing-back for Chelsea, it has been claimed. The 19-year-old, who joined the Blues in a £29million deal from Palmeiras last summer, made 38 appearances during his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. But Estevao's game time has been reduced so far this term following Xabi Alonso's appointment as the club's first-team manager. Alonso has started with a three-at-the-back formation in each of his first two Premier League matches with two defensive-minded midfielders, two attacking midfielders and one centre forward. Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, who signed for the Blues in a club record £117million deal earlier this summer, have operated in the No.10 roles with Joao Pedro up front. ...
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Four Arsenal changes Mikel Arteta may consider for Nottingham Forest as title reality clear

 


A look at the changes Mikel Arteta could make to his Arsenal side for the trip to Nottingham forest


With Manchester City playing in the early kick-off on Saturday, Arsenal will know whether their current six-point lead at the top of the Premier League will have been reduced or not by the time they face Nottingham Forest in the evening.


Pep Guardiola's side face Manchester United at Old Trafford and the Gunners will be hoping their title rivals drop points. Mikel Arteta knows his side must keep winning, however, with Saturday's fixture their third away match in less than a week.


Attention was turned to the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg with Chelsea on Wednesday, with Arsenal coming out 3-2 winners. It's possible Arteta considers changing his starting line-up to freshen things up somewhat ahead of the trip to Nottingham.


Below, football.london takes a look at the possible changes Arteta could make...


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Raya for Kepa

Probably the easiest change out of the lot. David Raya is the undisputed Arsenal No.1 and will come back in for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The former Chelsea man is the cup goalkeeper at present and that will not change anytime soon. Raya has kept 10 clean sheets in the Premier League already this season (more than any other goalkeeper) and will want to make it 11 come Saturday night.


Lewis-Skelly for White

Myles Lewis-Skelly is now the third choice left-back at the club it seems, behind Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who started at Chelsea. The Hale Ender was an unused substitute in west London after looking shaky against Liverpool the week prior, although he did play the full 90 against Portsmouth in the FA Cup just a few days later.


Arteta may consider giving Lewis-Skelly a start against Nottingham Forest, depending on the fitness of Ben White, who has started the past two matches. If White does need a rest, Timber would shift over to right-back and Lewis-Skelly would slot in on the other side.


Martinelli for Trossard

After scoring a hat-trick against Portsmouth, Gabriel Martinelli was perhaps a tad unlucky to find himself on the bench against Chelsea. Leandro Trossard started in the Brazilian's place, despite the former Brighton & Hove Albion man picking up a knock leading up to the clash with the Blues.


To keep things fresh, Arteta may start Martinelli against Sean Dyche's side. The 24-year-old does have four goal contributions in six appearances against Nottingham Forest, after all.


Havertz/Jesus for Gyokeres

This would perhaps be a controversial call after Viktor Gyokeres scored his eighth goal of the season against Chelsea in midweek. Arteta does love Kai Havertz, though, and has spoken about increasing his minutes in the coming weeks.


Gabriel Jesus could also replace Gyokeres now the Brazilian is fit. He looked sharp during his second half cameo against Liam Rosenior's side and even won a penalty before play was taken back for an offside.


Potential Arsenal XI to take on Nottingham Forest: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/four-arsenal-changes-mikel-arteta-33240960


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