Mikel Arteta can make seven Arsenal changes vs Chelsea as Jurrien Timber set for role change

Jurrien Timber could be switched to an old position as Arsenal take on Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge

Arsenal take on Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night as they look to secure a strong result at Stamford Bridge. It comes following the Gunners’ impressive 4-1 win over Portsmouth in the third round of the FA Cup while Liam Rosenior oversaw a 5-1 win at Charlton in his first game.

The League Cup might not be at the top of either sides' priority list but it can certainly set a tone for the end of the season. Despite being one of the most successful clubs in the country, Arsenal have only won the competition twice and not since 1993.

It is therefore a chance for Mikel Arteta to end this lengthening trophy drought before the end of the Premier League title race and potentially send out the right message to his title rivals early. Against Portsmouth, Arteta made ten changes from the side that drew with Liverpool.

He now has the chance to bring in some fresh legs against Chelsea, who also rested and rotated on Saturday night. That said, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba, David Raya and Viktor Gyokeres all got the entire match against Portsmouth off as their teammates sauntered to victory.

Others, such as Jurrien Timber, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard, came off the bench, while Gabriel Magalhaes started, all of whom will presumably start against the Blues. For Timber, it could, however, be on the left with Ben White doing well at right back, while the only fit left back, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has struggled defensively.

Up against Pedro Neto or Cole Palmer, it might be decided that Timber is the best selection. Then there is a decision to make on the left after Gabriel Martinelli scored his first hat-trick for Arsenal on his 249th appearance for the club.

Does he pick the rested Leandro Trossard or now in-form Martinelli in the match? Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also both got minutes instead of the Swedish striker which would indicate Gyokeres will start in midweek but the pair will be pushing for more minutes, the Brazilian in particular after scoring and assisting since his return from injury.

Changed Arsenal XI vs Chelsea – Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli