Five things we think will happen in Chelsea v Arsenal

The second week of the Premier League brings yet another tough game for Arsenal as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Unai Emery’s side kicked off their season with a home game against Manchester City, which they lost 2-0, but represent the first big task for new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.

In his first Premier League game, Sarri’s Chelsea beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 but fans of the club will be eager to get one over on their London rivals early.

With all of that in mind, here are five we think will happen in Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery’s first London derby of the season.

1. Chelsea to continue their bright start

Though Chelsea showed signs of weaknesses against Huddersfield in their opening game, which better teams would have punished, against Arsenal they do have a good opportunity to win two in a row.

The Blues have an impressive recent home record against Arsenal, winning five of their past seven games against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge across all competitions – with two draws coming under Antonio Conte last season.

Arsenal were last victorious against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2011, when Arsene Wenger’s side won 5-3 thanks to a hat-trick from Robin van Persie.

Chelsea also won a London derby in their second game of the season last year, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at Wembley.

Key stat: Chelsea have won five of their past six Premier League home games against Arsenal.

2. Petr Cech to feature heavily

Petr Cech did not enjoy the best start to his fourth season at Arsenal, conceding two goals against Manchester City and receiving criticism online for a misplaced pass which almost resulted in an own goal.

But despite that, the Czech international is set to retain his starting place against former club Chelsea with Emery keeping his faith, and will certainly be under the spotlight at Stamford Bridge.

Since leaving the Blues in 2015, Cech has gone up against his former employers on eight occasions for Arsenal, conceding nine goals and recording three clean sheets – with one coming in the Premier League last season.

Key stat: Petr Cech made more errors resulting in goals last season (six) than any other Premier League player.

3. Arsenal to test Chelsea’s defence

In the pre-season match between these two sides, which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, Arsenal scored a last-minute equaliser after applying pressure on Chelsea’s defence, albeit a much-changed one.

But the Gunners can exploit these problems earlier on in the match this weekend if their tactics are right. At present, the Blues are likely to have David Luiz playing alongside Marcos Alonso in a back four – both players whose attack-minded approach often leaves them open to attack on the counter.

Using the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and goal-scoring presence of Alexandre Lacazette, combined with Mesut Ozil’s eye for the right pass, Arsenal’s right side can push the Chelsea defence hard and force them into mistakes close to their own area – one of the risks of Sarrismo.

Key stat: Arsenal have scored eight goals in their past eight games against Chelsea in all competitions.

4. Eden Hazard to hurt Arsenal once more

Eden Hazard has completed 50 take-ons in the Premier League against only one team; the most he's managed vs. a single opposition.

That team is Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/iH5irGrov4

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 17, 2018

Eden Hazard LOVES to play against Arsenal, tormenting their defenders with 50 completed take-ons in his 12 Premier League appearances so far.

The Gunners are also one of the teams Hazard loves scoring against most (five goals), with only Newcastle United (six) and West Bromwich Albion (seven) faring worse against the Belgian in England.

Hazard also showed Chelsea fans against Huddersfield what they would have missed had he left in the summer, completing all six of his attempted take-ons and recording one assist in just 14 minutes on the pitch.

Against Arsenal, the Belgian is likely to start and against a Hector Bellerin who struggled to keep hold on Callum Hudson-Odoi in pre-season, Hazard will fancy his chances.

Key stat: Eden Hazard has scored five goals in 14 games against Arsenal

5. Mateo Kovacic to make his Chelsea debut

With all World Cup stars and late additions now back in training, the sides on Saturday are set to be more indicative of how both Chelsea and Arsenal will line up for the upcoming season.

Alongside Hazard starting for the first time, and Kepa Arrizabalaga continuing in goal, new midfielder Mateo Kovacic could in line for his Chelsea debut as the final piece of Maurizio Sarri’s midfield puzzle alongside the impressive Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who both opened their accounts for the season against Huddersfield.

While Chelsea are welcoming back stars, Arsenal are dealing with defensive problems following the news of Ainsley Maitland-Niles leg injury suffered against Manchester City.

The youngster was already filling in for Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal, who had injury problems of their own, and though the latter has returned to training Stephan Lichtsteiner will likely start given his match fitness.

There should also be a start in midfield for Lucas Torreira, giving Granit Xhaka the back-up he needs to hold against Chelsea’s tough attacking players while also allowing Arsenal’s own frightening attack freedom.

The post Five things we think will happen in Chelsea v Arsenal appeared first on Squawka News.

From Squawka NewsSquawka News https://ift.tt/2L5i2MK