This would be the most left-field of choices but including Nelson would give the Gunners some natural width on the pitch. Apart from this, Nelson would also track back a lot more than Mkhitaryan and help contain the threat of Marcus Alonso. Though Nelson hasn’t yet started a Premier League fixture, Emery could throw him into the deep end, like Guendouzi.
Nelson has been impressive whenever called upon. Over the summer, it looked as if his game had matured and he now looks battle-ready. Emery would be brave to hand another debut to another teenager in just his second game, but it makes a lot of footballing sense for him to do so.
The defence would remain the same while Ramsey would partner Torreira in midfield. The latter would act as the ‘screen’ in front of the back four while the former would have more of a license to go forward.
Even in this system, Ozil will function as the No.10 with Aubameyang playing on the left flank and moving centrally when required to support Lacazette.
The system would also help the Gunners press the Chelsea defence-line as they attempt to play out from the back.
If Emery actually takes this option, is anyone’s guess right now
Meanwhile, 4-4-2 diamond is the least likely option that Emery could employ as he has rarely deployed this system.
The midfield would line up in the shape of a diamond with Torreira playing at the base while Ozil would play as the No.10 at the tip of the diamond. Ramsey and Guendouzi would occupy the other slots in midfield and the Gunners would be strong centrally.
However, the width would have to be provided by the full-backs which could leave the Gunners exposed. It is not all doom and gloom though, as the likes of Torreira and Guendouzi would track back to cover for the marauding full-backs.
The only downside to this system is the lack of width. Although the system can be played to perfection, I’m not too sure if Emery is comfortable with the system himself.
The biggest positive though, would be the partnership of Aubameyang and Lacazette. The two strikers seem to possess a telepathic understanding and complement each other very well. The game against City changed after Lacazette was introduced. Just a minute after his arrival, Aubameyang teed up Lacazette, only for the Frenchman to fire wide.
While there are shortcomings with the system, the advantages of Arsenal’s front two could encourage Emery to make this tactical switch. If it starts working a charm for Arsenal, the Gunners could have a rendition of the famous Henry and Bergkamp partnership.
With just a couple of days to go, Emery has some serious decisions to make.