Chelsea vs Arsenal – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Sreya

Chelsea will host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge as the English Premier League witnesses the most high profile London derby of the early season. Chelsea are struggling at the 17th position, having won only once in the first five matches. Arsenal meanwhile sit at a comfortable 4th position in the league.

The fate of both clubs in midweek were pretty as far as their domestic performance is concerned, with Chelsea dispatching Maccabi Tel Aviv in a 4-0 affair, while Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat at Dynamo Zagreb.

Team News

Jose Mourinho has a number of injury concerns in Willian (hamstring), Pedro (thigh), Thibaut Courtois (knee). The Brazilian was among Chelsea’s best performers in the first half against Tel Aviv and will be sorely missed, although his national compatriot Oscar is expected to start. Radamel Falcao, who is affected by a knee issue, has also been listed as doubtful.

Arsenal will be missing the services of Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck through injuries, with Per Mertesacker doubtful as well. Olivier Giroud might be on the bench after his disappointing showing against Zagreb, with Theo Walcott being the probability to replace him. Aaron Ramsey and Hector Bellerin are expected to return to the starting line-up.

Chelsea Possible Starting Line-up: Asmir Begovic, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma, Baba Rahman, Nemanja Matic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Hazard, Diego Costa.

Arsenal Possible Starting Line-up: Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal, Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez, THeo Walcott.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We didn’t start the season well and when you see Chelsea so far down the table you have to check twice to make sure this is happening. We have a big game again on Saturday so we must not rest. We have to win. It is a London derby, we know Arsenal are a quality team, they play top football and it will be tough but we want to win.”

– Cesc Fabregas.

“We had the chances but we didn’t take them. The manager tried to create the best balance for the game but we didn’t make the most of it.”

– Mikel Arteta.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Chelsea have lost 38% of its matches against Arsenal. Arsenal have won 7 of their last 8 away games in the Premier League, keeping clean sheets in their last three domestic fixtures. This will be a closely contested affair, one which is likeley to end in a 2-2 draw.