Predicted XI Vs Arsenal
- •
- 1,024 reads
- •
- 2,606 views
- •
- 5 min read
Chelsea travel to The Emirates this weekend hoping to do the double over London rivals Arsenal, following a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are still unbeaten under interim manager Guus Hiddink, following last Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Everton.
Arsenal meanwhile have won three of their last five matches in all competitions, and haven’t lost at home since the opening game of the season.
Here’s who we think Hiddink will start for this weekend’s London derby.
GK - Thibaut Courtois
Despite conceding three last week against Everton, the big Belgian was not at fault for any of the goals. He’ll start but will need a big performance against his opposite number, and the man he kept out for the majority of last season: Petr Cech.
RB- Branislav Ivanovic
The 31-year-old looked vulnerable, not for the first time this season, last time out against Everton. But with a lack of cover at right-back, he looks set to start this weekend.
CB - Kurt Zouma
Despite a rather shaky season for Chelsea’s defence, Zouma has continued to impress at the Bridge. And with the lack of pace around him in Ivanovic and Terry, he’s a vital player in that back four.
CB - John Terry
The Blues skipper endured a rollercoaster game against Everton, after putting through his own net, before scoring a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser. There’s no doubt that he’ll be up for this weekend.
LB - Cesar Azpilicueta
Apart from allowing Romelu Lukaku through in the build-up to Everton’s opener last weekend, it was an otherwise solid performance from ‘Dave.’
CDM - John Obi Mikel
Mikel’s performance dropped last weekend against Everton, with him and Matic allowing the Toffees through the midfield far too often. However he was calm and collected on the ball once again, and looks as though he’s more comfortable playing as the lone defensive midfielder.
CDM - Cesc Fabregas
Matic’s poor season continued against Everton, and Mikel looks to prefer the company of Cesc to the Serbian, so he gets the nod.
Furthermore, the Spaniard will surely be fired up against his old club this weekend, and was instrumental in all Chelsea did last week, providing a sublime assist for Costa, before grabbing the Blues’ second. Is he finally getting back to his best?
RW - Willian
Willian had a quiet game for his standards this season last weekend, failing to really make an impact on the ball. However, his pace and set-piece quality could cause trouble for Arsenal this weekend, and he’s still been Chelsea’s stand-out player this season.
CAM - Oscar
Oscar replaced the ineffective Matic at the weekend and was a bright spark after his introduction. Whilst he did stand off Deulofeu which led to Funes Mori’s goal, his ability going forward means he is a constant threat.
LW - Pedro
This was a tough call between Pedro and Kenedy, and whilst I’d prefer to start the latter after his fine performance against West Brom and Everton, I think Hiddink will place his trust in Pedro.
The Spaniard always attempts to make something happen going forward but has struggled for consistency after his stellar debut against West Brom.
ST - Diego Costa
Costa was relentless against Everton and continued his fine form under Hiddink, scoring his seventh league goal of the season to spark the Chelsea comeback. He starts, in the hope he is fit enough.
Is the Costa of last season finally returning?