Chelsea will be a buoyed side as they head over to the Emirates Stadium as they look to finish a week of difficult fixtures with a win. Antonio Conte would have got a taste of the vintage English football as he had to face defeat against a Jürgen Klopp- charged Liverpool team and head over to the King Power Stadium 3 days later to face the reigning champions in a EFL Cup match.
The match served up a cracker as Chelsea came from behind to emerge 4-2 winners. But they will hardly have time to gather their breath as a trip to Arsenal beckons which will enable to see out a horrendous week, fixture wise.
Chelsea have in recent years, dominated Arsenal and although the distasteful rivalry between Arsène Wenger and Jose Mourinho was a talking point throughout their terms at the respective clubs, matters on the field were also laced with tension between the two teams. Wenger would want to lay down a marker against Conte and look to begin with a new slate against the new management at Chelsea.
Antonio Conte will have a lot on his hand after the performance of certain players he had been reluctant to give a chance till now and the team-sheet might bear a few changes from the match against Liverpool.
T4O’s PREDICTED CHELSEA LINE-UP VS ARSENAL (4-1-4-1)
DEFENCE
Thibaut Courtois will be in goal and should be looking to improve on his recent uncertain performances with Asmir Begovic breathing down his neck. Ivanovic is likely to make a return at right-back with Azpilicueta shifting to the left-back spot. But Conte might spring a surprise by persisting with Marcos Alonso at left-back and keeping Azpilicueta on the right-hand side.
John Terry might not be risked after returning from injury but Chelsea will try their best to have him lead the defence against a strong attacking line-up of Arsenal. In the likelihood that Terry is unable to feature, Cahill will have David Luiz as his partner.
MIDFIELD
N’Golo Kante will be in his usual positon, in front of the back four, and will be key in harrying the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez when in possession. The slightly advanced midfield duo might see a change with Fabregas in with a strong shout for first team action after having turned the game against Leicester City. Keeping in mind the opposition he might retain Matic and drop Oscar.
ATTACK
Hazard and Willian will take up the flank roles with Diego Costa leading the pack. Costa will be booed by the crowd and the atmosphere thus created will only help the Spanish striker as he thrives in such situations.
