MIKEL ARTETA could be forced into using an unusual starting XI when Arsenal take on Mansfield tomorrow after EIGHT first-team stars were missing from training today. Arteta was without a host of

It seems likely that the latter quartet are all being rested as Arteta prepares to make sweeping changes in Nottinghamshire and give a number of his most important players a breather amid a hectic fixture list as the Premier League leaders - who face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final later this month - continue to fight for silverware on four fronts.

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe helped save his job early on, while the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman have all produced magical moments. Arteta has given senior opportunities to a few other young players as well, one of them being young Ibrahim.

Derbies have a way of exposing truth. Arsenal’s predicted lineup suggests continuity and confidence, but Chelsea will probe every weakness. Their pace in transition and aerial strength in the box will challenge Arsenal’s defensive line, especially if White cannot feature.