This is a new era for Arsenal on and off the pitch, and a true testament to show things have really changed will start when they welcome Chelsea to the Emirates.
With Jose Mourinho out of the picture once more, this fixture always seemed to have less controversy surrounding it, but that’s now how we see it.
If Arsene Wenger really wants to hit back at his critics then it’s games like this that he has to prove his sides quality through proper preparation, both mentally and physically.
The Gunners have failed to see out the game with 11 players on the pitch during both Premier League encounters last year, with Mertesacker, Gabriel and Cazorla all seeing red.
But this is a side that are more determined than ever, and after a sticky transfer window this squad have had time to adapt and end an unpopular history with their noisy neighbours.
Team News
Arsenal
In recent weeks it’s been pretty difficult to work out what Wenger is trying to achieve with his squad selection, and I still don’t think we know our best XI.
However, with so much depth in the squad we finally have the ability to field quality in all areas, but this weekend won’t include Aaron Ramsey who is now looking at an October return.
Meanwhile, Olivier Giroud will have a test to assess whether or not he’ll be in contention, but with Lucas and Alexis available Wenger doesn’t have to take too many risks.
The entire squad that started in the 4-1 win over Hull last week were rested for EFL Cup action so we can expect a very similar line-up after they were given seven days to rest up.
Arsenal Absentees: A. Ramsey (hamstring), P. Mertesacker (knee), O. Giroud (doubt – toe), D. Welbeck (knee), C. Jenkinson (knee)
Chelsea
There are only really two big injuries for Chelsea to worry about, with a mini defensive crisis prompting the deadline day signing of David Luiz.
Antonio Conte decided to play an almost full-strength squad during their mid-week tie with Leicester City, a choice he may regret after they were forced into extra time.
Kurt Zouma will miss out on this one meaning options at centre back are more than easy to predict, whilst a late decision will be made on the fitness of some players.
One that we know will definitely be on the bench is captain John Terry, who was ruled out entirely having failed to recover in time for what promises to be a 10/10 London derby.
Chelsea Absentees: J. Terry (ankle), K. Zouma (knee)
One To Watch
Arsenal – Shkodran Mustafi
Thrown straight into the deep end after signing for £35million, Mustafi has taken well to life as a Gunner and we finally look like having a strong, consistent centre back pairing.
New to this league has seen him make a few mistakes at time, and Chelsea are no strangers to pushing buttons when coming to the red side of London so Mustafi must watch his back.
Wenger stressed the importance of discipline in this fixture and if Mustafi is really going to cement his position next to Koscielny then we need to see a resilient back-wall.
The PSG game was attack after attack and as a whole the Gunners defence broke down, Mustafi managed to put in a good performance still so we need to see that again.
Chelsea – Diego Costa
He was a popular topic during Wenger’s pre-match press conference and if the Arsenal fans will be booing anyone on Saturday afternoon it’s him.
As frustrating as he is to play against, Costa is in sparkling form this season and despite the controversy of whether he deserved to be on the pitch, has rescued some vital points for Conte’s men.
He will try every trick in the book to get past are defence, and if Coquelin is starting he’ll no doubt be a target to pick up an early yellow card.
Costa may seem like an aggressive player, but he can be so clever at times and if you give him half a chance there’s a strong chance Cech will be reaching into the back of his net.
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi, Alexis
Chelsea (4-1-4-1)
Courtois, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Kante, Matic, Willian, Fabregas, Hazard, Costa
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
I was at the Emirates when Mertesacker got sent off and it’s probably the most frustrating performance I’ve seen from a Chelsea side in the history of me worshipping football.
Arsenal were a better team for the second half but Chelsea had the ability to hold out for all three points, however I don’t see them getting the bragging rights this time.
I feel like Xhaka is so much better equipped for a game like this and if Wenger makes that selection then I’ll have far more confidence, but however it goes I see Arsenal winning this one.
Chelsea haven’t been phenomenal and have really had to dig out some victories where they didn’t really deserve them, but in a game like this form goes out the window.
Arsenal’s next six fixtures include five at the Emirates, so we all know a win here will kickstart the chance to make the Emirates a fortress again, but to do that we need 110% from everyone.
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