As regards the London derby on Saturday. Chelsea vs Arsenal lineups may amaze some of the Blues fans because Mauricio Pochettino may choose something different.
The Premier League game is a big one for the West London club. And they would want to continue their winning streak after the international break.
As a result, Mauricio Pochettino would want to be very tactical against the Gunners. Of course, he knows Mikel Arteta is wise tactically, considering his statistics this season.
Arsenal have yet to lose any games in the Premier League this season. They have been unbeaten in the league since the beginning of the 2023-2024 campaign.
Therefore, the North London club won’t go easy on the Blues. That’s another reason Mauricio Pochettino may be a little different in the Chelsea vs Arsenal lineups.
In addition, the Gunners are most likely to miss some important players against Chelsea. And it would definitely affect the team’s performance on Saturday.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba may miss the London derby. Currently, they are all dealing with one injury or another.
On the contrary, Mauricio Pochettino has received a massive injury boost. As a result, the Argentine manager has enough reinforcements for the Chelsea vs Arsenal lineups.
Reece James and Malo Gusto will be back in the squad on Saturday. Therefore, it’s up to Mauricio Pochettino to choose his starting right-back against Arsenal.
In all fairness, there are some reasons why Marc Cucurella may start the London derby. Apparently, he has been dazzling impressively in that RB position.
In the absence of Malo Gusto and Reece James. The Spaniard has been performing excellently as a right-back. So the manager may start him at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella was literally roasted against Burnley, before the international break. Nevertheless, despite being a left-back, he has been good as a right-back.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Lineups: Why would Marc Cucurella start as a RB on Saturday?
1. Reece James may not be ready
The Englishman is back in full training with the team. And he has been training since the international break.
However, Reece James may not be ready for the London derby. As a result, he’s most likely to start from the bench on Saturday.
As regards the intensity in Chelsea vs Arsenal, Mauricio Pochettino wouldn’t want to risk starting the English right-back in the game.
That’s another reason why Marc Cucurella may continue as a right-back on Saturday. He would actually do well against Martinelli.
2. Mauricio Pochettino loves continuity
Obviously, the Spanish left-back has started as a right-back in three consecutive games. So, the manager would want that continuity on Saturday.
Marc Cucurella is good defensively and offensively. As a result, he is capable of shielding the defense line, and contributing to the attack.
The Argentine gaffer loves consistency, and he wouldn’t want to lose on Saturday. So, the Spaniard may start as a right-back.
Chelsea won over Fulham and Burnley with Cucurella as a right-back. Obviously, the manager would want to continue with that setup.
3. Marc Cucurella is more experienced than Malo Gusto
The Spaniard understands the intensity in the Premier League, especially facing a team like the Gunners. That’s why he may start as a RB on Saturday.
Also, Marc Cucurella is more experienced than Malo Gusto. As a result, he has enough weapons to face and frustrate Gabriel Martinelli in the London derby.
The French youngster is balanced defensively as a right-back. Of course, he was amazing throughout their USA pre-season tour this campaign.
However, he needs more than his abilities against the Gunners. Therefore, Marc may start in the Chelsea vs Arsenal lineups because of his experience.
4. Marc Cucurella is fresher than Malo GustoÂ
The 20-year-old right-back is currently on international duty with the French national team. As a result, he may need to rest on Saturday.
On the other hand, Cucurella stays at Cobham, training every day with the team. Starting him over the French youngster seems wise.
Malo Gusto is expected to be tired on Saturday, suffering from jet lag and the rest. As a result, Marc has enough opportunity to start in the London derby.
Chelsea vs Arsenal lineups may be different on Saturday. Nevertheless, the Spanish left-back is most likely to start as a RB in the game.