Chelsea will face Arsenal in their second pre-season match of the summer in Singapore on Saturday, in what promises to be another step forward in the Blues’ preparation for the upcoming season.
Antonio Conte has named a 22-man squad for the tour of Singapore, including four teenagers, and Loic Remy, who has been given another chance to prove his worth to the manager.
However, Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, and Kurt Zouma have all not travelled with the squad, as they are all set to move away from the club. Eden Hazard will continue to work on his full fitness at Cobham along with new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Antonio Rudiger is expected to join up with the squad next week due to an extended break after the Confederations Cup with Germany. Also, Alvaro Morata is likely to complete his move to the Bridge on Friday, and will also join up with the squad in Singapore next week.
Arsenal are currently ahead in their pre season preparation, having already played three games, including one against Bayern Munich, claiming an unlikely victory on penalties. Therefore it is possible that it may take time for Chelsea to adjust to the intensity of football being played by the Gunners. Both sides are likely to rotate players at half time, so Conte may surprise us with the team that is selected for the first half on Saturday.
With Eden Hazard missing the start of the season with injury, it is extremely likely that Conte could change to the trusted formation he used at Juventus, the 3-5-2. Reports have suggested that Cesc Fabregas has been promised a bigger role this year, and with the acquisition of Bakayoko, a central midfield trio could be on the cards.
Here’s how we think Chelsea will line up.
