Chelsea are still searching for their first home Premier League win of the season, and finding that on Saturday against Arsenal would be extra pleasing for fans. Last weekend’s defeat against Everton has almost been forgotten after a 4-0 win against Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Champions League midweek, meaning Chelsea head into Saturday’s fixture on a high.
Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat against Dinamo Zagreb in their opening Champions League match, but their league form has been better than Chelsea’s, meaning the first big London derby of the season could go either way.
Last season’s fixture at Stamford Bridge ended 2-0 to Chelsea, with goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, but it was Mourinho and Wenger who stole the headlines after a first half bust up. The rivalry will be resumed on Saturday, so expect more of the same from the pair as tensions will be running high again, with a lot to play for.
Team News:
Chelsea have a few players injured ahead of Saturday’s game already, with winger’s Pedro and Willian ruled out by Mourinho already. Willian was forced off against Tel-Aviv on Wednesday after picking up a hamstring injury early on, and Pedro didn’t even make the team due to a muscle injury, likely caused by a knock playing against Everton.
After a good performance midweek, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be in line for a rare league start, and both Fabregas and Costa will be rejuvenated after their solid shows against Tel-Aviv, so expect them to start. Captain John Terry was rested on Wednesday, but will return to captain the side, although his defensive partner will probably be picked later on. Baba Rahman has also given Mourinho a decision to make at left-back, after his display midweek.
Arsenal also have injury problems. Earlier this week it was confirmed that Jack Wilshere will be out for three months with another ankle injury, and he joins Welbeck and Rosicky on the sidelines.
After a poor midweek performance against Zagreb, Wenger may choose to leave Giroud out of his side following the red card he picked up. Walcott, who scored the consolation goal on Wednesday, may start instead. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech will start for the away side, after spending 11 years at Stamford Bridge.
Stats:
Arsene Wenger has won just 1 of 13 games against Jose Mourinho, and that win came in the Community Shield earlier this season. Mourinho has won 7 and drawn 5 against the Arsenal boss.
The last time Arsenal beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was in October 2011, in a match that finished 5-3 to the visitors, with Robin Van Persie scoring a hat-trick. Since then, Chelsea have won all three of the last home fixtures.
Writer’s Prediction:
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal.
