Arsenal cannot be scratched out from the favourites column this time, like most pundits did, during last season’s FA Cup final, as they go into Sunday’s Community Shield game.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have collectively spent around £200 million this summer for a squad upgrade, and while Chelsea has seen some major players leave, Arsenal are still in the mix it. Nevertheless, Wembley is expected to see some of the best players taking the field and it will be certain individual battles upon which the outcome might hinge one.
Here are the three battles that could win or lose the game for the London sides:
Willian vs Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
We expect Arsene Wenger to start his aggressive winger in the left-back position as Sead Kolasinac should start from the bench given his inexperience in such high-octane games in England. Moreover, Chamberlain scored the only goal of the game when Arsenal faced Chelsea in the last Community Shield game. His stamina is unparalleled and is probably one of the best wing-back candidates in the whole Premier League.
He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Chelsea last May and Wenger should bet on his attributes this time too. He will be up against Chelsea’s dazzling Willian on the left flank, who will, in all probability, be Chelsea’s biggest threat, in the absence of Eden Hazard and Pedro. The Brazilian was on target in their pre-season game and Conte will hope he does it again in this crunch tie.
Olivier Giroud vs David Luiz
Chelsea have an impenetrable defence after the arrival of Antonio Rudiger from AS Roma and Arsenal cannot simply barge their way in. Wenger will need his big forward, Giroud, to play a more supporting role this time in getting down the balls from Petr Cech into the path of Lacazette and Ozil.
His strength and height can only be matched by David Luiz. The Brazilian was one of the most crucial players for Chelsea last season that helped them win the title, and his aggressive approach will be needed to get a favourable result this time too.
Aaron Ramsey vs N’Golo Kante
Following the departure of Nemanja Matic to Manchester United and the uncertainty around Bakayoko, owing to fitness issues, Conte is expected to start with Cesc Fabregas and N Golo Kante in his midfield. Although it means Chelsea lose much of height and strength in the middle of the park compared to Arsenal, Conte will bank on Kante’s phenomenal work rate to take them home.
The tireless midfielder could be up against Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, who is not only more experienced than him in the midfield but also possesses better dribbling abilities. While the Welshman is unlikely to cope with him well in tenacious ball chases, his game reading abilities and swift movements could prove tricky for Kante. Ramsey also remains a great passer of the ball and with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette and Olivier Giroud up front, he could be Arsenal’s lynchpin on the night.
