TheSportsRush brings the predicted Chelsea XI vs Arsenal as the Blues look to continue their impressive form against their London rivals.
Chelsea take on Arsenal in the first London Derby of the 2018/19 Premier League. The Blues and the Gunners have new managers in their dugouts following the appointments of Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery. Both the managers will be looking to get one over their rival in their derby day debuts.
Chelsea will be favourites in this one due to the home support but have not gotten the better of Arsenal in their last six fixtures. Let’s have a look at Chelsea’s potential eleven-
DEFENCE
Chelsea’s record signed goalkeeper Kepa made a great start to life at Chelsea with a clean sheet against Huddersfield. The former Athletic Bilbao man seems to have settled in and could get the nod against Arsenal.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are fantastic defenders but also have a supreme attacking flare in comparison to their competitors. They are very much the preferred fullback duo and Sarri is likely to go with both of them on either side of defense.
David Luiz is back in favour after the former Napoli boss’ appointment. The Brazilian made a start against Huddersfield Town and will be a probable starter against Arsenal. Andreas Christensen is expected to fill the second spot at central defense.
MIDFIELD
Chelsea made sure that its midfield is sorted after the summer transfer window, and it sure is now. Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic were signed during the summer. The former made a start to his Blue career with a goal while Kovacic is still to get a bow.
N’Golo Kante is the indispensable starter for the Blues and will play at defensive midfield. Jorginho did amazingly to run the play for Chelsea against the Terriers last week and could be assigned with the same task this weekend.
Maurizio Sarri confirmed that Kovacic is not yet ready to play 90 minutes of football, however he insisted that the Croatian could make a 30-minute appearance against Arsenal. Ross Barkley is expected to start against Chelsea’s London rivals.
ATTACK
Chelsea boast a fabulous attack. Eden Hazard will be back in the fray after playing only a substitute’s role in the final 15 minutes at the Kirklees Stadium last week. He did gave an assist and shined on his return from international duty. He will be a guaranteed starter at left wing.
Also read: Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Chelsea
Willian also provided an assist like his Belgian colleague and his back in the fray after Antonio Conte’s departure. He was given a fifteen minute rest last weekend and will be given a start on the right wing on Saturday.
Alvaro Morata’s height and heading ability will be vital against Arsenal. His link up play with Cesar Azpilicueta is something that stands out. The former Real Madrid and Juventus striker will get the nod against Chelsea’s arch rivals.
Chelsea’s predicted XI:
Arrizabalaga; Azipilicueta, David Luiz, Christensen, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley; Hazard, Morata, Willian
