Arsenal – Chelsea: Match Preview

Arsenal – Chelsea: Match Preview

Conte has to take his first big test of the season against Arsenal who are looking better and better each game. Apparently the two teams haven’t been so evenly matched in years with Chelsea also looking great during their last performances against Leicester.

In terms of numbers the Gunners lead with 18 wins but have fewer goals than the Blues who scored 65 goals in 48 games against Arsenal. This season, both sides have scored 17 goals in all domestic competitions and both have shown strong points and weak spots. Chelsea seem to have the upper hand when it comes to determination. Somehow Conte managed to motivate his players and come back from unpleasant situations. The lots are evenly balanced and both have made some additions to the team, additions which are still getting acquainted to the environment.

Aside from the fact that both teams come from London, there’s another reason fans will want to watch this game. Former Gunner Fabregas is expected to make the cut and start against his former team. He recently spoke about this moment and insisted that he will give it his all to help the Blues win. He will be the man to watch next to Costa and Hazard who have shown excellent form during their last games. On the other side Iwobi, Xhaka and Sanchez pose the biggest threats. New comer Lucas Perez is not going to start and Alexis Sanchez will probably be used as a false 9 again. Xhaka will most likely replace Coquelin in Wenger’s team after managing to score twice in his last two games.

Unavailable players:

Arsenal

Injured – Ramsey (hamstring, 15 Oct), Jenkinson (knee, Nov), Mertesacker (knee, Jan), Welbeck (knee, Jan), Giroud(toe)

Chelsea

Injured – Terry (ankle, 1 Oct), Zouma (knee, 23 Oct), Van Ginkel (knee, Oct)

Predicted Starting XI:

Arsenal – Cech, Mustafi, Koscielny, Bellerin, Moneal, Xhaka, Cazorla, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Iwobi, Sanchez.

Chelsea – Courtois, David Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Kante, Matic, Fabregas, Hazard, Willian, Costa.