Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town last weekend but now Maurizio Sarri must prepare his team for the first big test of the season.
Next Saturday, Chelsea take on Unai Emery’s Arsenal side at Stamford Bridge and this will be a great opportunity for the fans to see what tactics does the former Napoli manager bring to the table against a top-six opponent.
Arsenal though are having problems of their own especially after losing their season opener against Manchester City. So there’s no denying that Emery will be under a lot more pressure than his managerial counterpart but that also means that the Gunners will put that extra bit of effort in preparing for the London Derby.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Chelsea team news
Maurizio Sarri is not expected to make too many changes to his starting line-up which defeated Huddersfield last weekend and in all honesty, the manager cannot afford to make any big change simply because he hasn’t signed too many players during the summer transfer window.
New keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will start in goal while the back four are expected to be the same from the previous game. – Alonso, David Luiz, Rudiger and Azpilicueta.
Sarri chose to start with a midfield three against Huddersfield and by the looks of it, this is his favoured system. So do not expect any change in formation against Arsenal with the exception that Ross Barkley could be dropped to the bench and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could start alongside N’Golo Kante and summer signing Jorginho.
Barkley was probably the weakest link during Chelsea’s season opener and on top of that Loftus-Cheek had a pretty decent pre-season campaign. So it would make perfect sense to drop Barkley and give a run-in to the English World Cupper.
Willian started the game against Huddersfield on the right-hand side of the pitch but with Hazard well rested, the Belgian will surely take back his spot in the attacking third. And with Pedro playing brilliantly in the first game, Willian will possibly be made the scapegoat for the Arsenal game.
Alvaro Morata starts up front.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Chelsea’s predicted line up
Goalkeeper: Kepa.
Defence: Alonso, Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta.
Midfield: Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek.
Attack: Hazard, Morata, Pedro.
Read: 4-3-3 Arsenal’s predicted line-up vs Chelsea.
Read: Celtic FC fans want ‘this’ Chelsea legend to replace their tantrum throwing defender.
Read: Unai Emery might have a major selection crisis as Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge.
