The Blues romped home to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on new manager Maurizio Sarri’s Premier League debut this past weekend, courtesy of goals from N’Golo Kante, new signing Jorginho and Pedro. And the Italian gaffer will be hoping to mastermind another victory and make it two in two league games for his new club.
Ahead of the enticing London derby, let’s take a look as to how the Blues might take the field against Unai Emery’s Arsenal;
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas remains a doubt to feature against his former club, after missing out in the Premier League opener due to a knee injury. Captain Gary Cahill is also a doubt for the Blues, while defensive midfielder Marco van Ginkel is a long-term absentee. Loan signing Mateo Kovacic may not start as well, having had very little pre-season training.
Chelsea handed a debut to the world’s most expensive goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga against the Terriers last weekend and the Spaniard should start again on Saturday. He is likely to be tested much more by the Gunners, than he was last weekend and it will be interesting to see how he goes about his business.
The reliable and consistent Cesar Azpilicueta will once again captain the side and start on the right side of the back four, while fellow Spaniard Marcos Alonso will look to carry on from where he left off in the last game at left-back.
The centre-back partnership of Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz is expected to take the field once again, ahead of Andreas Christensen and Ethan Ampadu.
N’Golo Kante started the last game and scored Chelsea’s first league goal of the new campaign. The French World Cup winner seems to be relishing in a new role under Sarri where he is allowed more freedom to make forward runs and is a definite starter against Arsenal.
New signing Jorginho had a Premier League debut to remember, scoring a goal from the penalty spot and impressing with his overall performance. He will once again be key for Chelsea heading into Saturday’s game.
Ross Barkley started the last game in the third midfield slot, but failed to make the most of his opportunity. A change could be in the offing here, with England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek set to replace the former Evertonian this weekend.
Pedro had an excellent game last time out for the Blues. The Spaniard capped off a fine all-round display with a goal against David Wagner’s men and in all likelihood, will be retained on the right side of the front three. On the left-side, Brazilian attacker Willian is almost certain to feature from the get-go again, after having impressed against Huddersfield.
After Alvaro Morata failed to make much of an impression against the Terriers, there is a good chance that Sarri will drop the Spaniard. Instead, Belgian superstar Eden Hazard could be set to start in a false-nine role, similar to what Sarri did with Hazard’s compatriot Dries Mertens at Napoli and enjoyed great success.
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Sarri to make two big changes on Chelsea line-up to face Arsenal
Reviewed by ONYONG PRECIOUS
on
August 16, 2018
Rating:
Reviewed by ONYONG PRECIOUS
on
August 16, 2018
Rating:
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