Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are on a high after their 4-1 thrashing of Turkish opponents, Galatasaray in the mid-week Champions League clash and thus carry on the momentum against a formidable Chelsea side.
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are on a high after their 4-1 thrashing of Turkish opponents, Galatasaray in the mid-week Champions League clash and thus carry on the momentum against a formidable Chelsea side.
Their man of the moment was former Red Devil, Danny Welbeck who scored a hattrick in midweek. But Chelsea is a different side altogether this year.
The arrival of Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid has reaffirmed their status as a top, top EPL contender. Costa has scored eight goals in six league games even with left thigh problems that have left manager Jose Mourinho sweating.
But much of the attention of the game will shift on former Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas who will line-up against his former side wearing a rival shirt. Fabregas has added that extra creative spark linking efficiently with fellow countryman, Diego Costa in front of goal that lacking last season.
Moreover, the additions to Chelsea squad will be of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Ramires and Willian who could blow the Gunners hot and cold! Arsenal’s lack of defensive cover has exposed them at the back. Veteran Mathieu Flamini will be deployed in the middle of the park by manager Wenger to protect the Arsenal defense at Stamford Bridge but the Frenchman has had a poor start to the campaign. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker will be on their toes to ward off the threat of Costa and co.
But Arsenal too possesses a great attacking threat. With Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez, the creative midfield will be taken over by Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Wenger, who was asked about Fabregas’ return to Arsenal, retaliated to the press that they already have the World Cup winner, Ozil in the team. The German, who has been receiving flak in the EPL so far, will have to spark a revival if the Gunners have to come away with a victory.
With Chelsea in such a tremendous form, only ‘luck’ could give Arsenal some boost come Sunday afternoon at the Bridge.
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Wilshere, Flamini; Sánchez, Özil, Cazorla; Welbeck.
