In the build up to this one, there has been a lot of talk about how Arsenal are Premier League favourites and also how amazing that Chelsea attack is and how they’re our nearest threat and so on and so forth…Today we should hopefully get an insight into the validity of both of those claims!
The match
It’s going to be an interesting watch this one. Arsenal’s mean defensive record against Chelsea’s free flowing attack…what’s going to happen?! I know what I want to happen, but it’s going to be interesting to see how this one pans out. The lack of possession of the Chelsea team in their two wins to date has been brought into question and you wonder if they play to keep to that counter attacking style today or if they mix it up a bit.
Arsenal on the other hand, have yet to concede a goal at the time of writing and impressively held Aston Villa at arm’s length for the duration of Monday’s win, so they will also feel confident that they can use that extra man in midfield and pin Chelsea in. It really is a tough one to call, but you feel that midfield battle is going to be really key, as well as how Arsenal’s defenders stand up to the Chelsea frontline.
The lineup
Another one that probably picks itself, based on availability. Mikel Arteta has claimed that Cristhian Mosquera is absolutely fine and was taken off as a precaution, but Mikel Arteta says a lot of things that aren’t true!!! 🙂 Unfortunately for the Spaniard, I expect him to miss out on this one so Ezri Konsa will come into the centre of the defence to partner Gabriel in a new look partnership.
Into midfield, Bruno Guimaraes is apparently carrying a knock so he will likely remain on the bench, if he makes it, which just leaves the left hand side to sort.
Christos Tzolis did not have his best game up at Villa Park, but his defensive contribution and workrate should see him come back into the team for this one.
Predicted lineup:
Raya
White
Konsa
Gabriel
Calafiori
Rice
Lewis-Skelly
Odegaard
Saka
Havertz
Tzolis
Subs:
Arrizabalaga
Hincapie
Guimaraes
Zubimendi
Merino
Eze
Madueke
Gyokeres
Dowman
Prediction
Oh, I really hate this bit!!! Got to have confidence in the boys though, especially at home. Everyone will be predicting goals so I’m going to buck the trend and stick with a familiar one…1-0 to the Arsenal.