For the first time in 22 years, Arsene Wenger won’t be in the away dugout at Stamford Bridge. Instead, it will be Unai Emery, who will be looking to get the better of new Blues’ boss Maurizio Sarri, as the two new London managers go head to head on Saturday as Chelsea host Arsenal.
Both clubs have made big changes in the summer in terms of personnel, with each hoping that their new coaches can usher in new eras of style and success. Chelsea got off to the perfect start with a 3-0 win at Huddersfield, while Arsenal slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to open up their Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City.
Defeat wouldn’t necessarily be a disaster for either team’s season, with both mangers seemingly going to be given time to build for the future. However, Sarri will be desperate to win his first home Premier League game, and perhaps lay down an early marker in doing so. The new Chelsea boss will also be keen to build some early momentum and maintain a perfect start. Emery will be anxious to get some points on the board and will want to avoid a second consecutive defeat in the capital.
Head to Head
Chelsea have beaten Arsenal 62 times, but have lost 76 games against the Gunners. The sides have shared 52 draws, including two in the Premier League last season. Chelsea will be looking to end a poor recent record against Arsenal, only managing one win in the previous eight meetings in all competitions. All though in the 31 meetings prior, Chelsea only tasted defeat five times, picking up 18 wins in the process. Fans will hope to re-start another dominant streak beginning with a victory on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, where they have not lost to Arsenal since October 2011.
Team News
Eden Hazard impressed with a cameo appearance from the bench against Huddersfield and may well start for Sarri against Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Hazard would replace either Willian or Pedro on the flanks, or play up front in place of Alvaro Morata with the Spanish striker struggling for form. With Cesc Fabregas set to miss out through injury, Ross Barkley should retain his place in the starting line-up.
Arsenal face a big defensive selection dilemma with Emery currently without a recognised left-back. Ainsley Maitland-Niles started in the role against Manchester City with Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac both injured, but the youngster limped off in some pain in the first half. His withdrawal could see Stephan Lichtsteiner, who replaced Maitland-Niles versus City, start on the left flank.
Petr Cech could also be dropped versus his former club for summer signing Bernd Leno. Despite being preferred against City, he struggled to play the ball out from the back, and Emery may decide to go with Leno for this one.
