It starts from where it ended last season as Arsenal meet Chelsea at the Wembley yet again, this time for the Community Shield. Arsenal have won their last two Community Shields against Manchester City and Chelsea in 2014 and 2016.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 Arsenal Line-up to face Chelsea
Defence
Petr Cech is expected to take his place under the bar following some phenomenal displays in Arsenal’s pre-season. The former Czech international looks quite fresh and is raring to go this summer, unlike last season.
The departure of Emiliano Martinez to Getafe on loan leaves David Ospina with the responsibility of EFL Cup and Europa League, and Cech should solely focus on the league for the time being.
Arsenal will be without Shkodran Mustafi for the game yet again as the German international had missed the FA Cup final too. However, he isn’t injured this time and the manager is more concerned with his match sharpness. Laurent Koscielny will be available for the game after getting suspended for the last game of the season against Everton. He will miss the first two league fixtures though.
We expect Wenger to start with Rob Holding in the right centre-back role as Koscielny has looked much composed at the centre, which means Per Mertesacker likely starts from the bench. Nacho Monreal will start as the other centre-half.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka should take his place in the midfield. The Swiss international had a brilliant debut season with Arsenal and should be only sharper now. We expect Aaron Ramsey to start alongside him. The Welshman has regained his scoring instincts in the 3-4-2-1 formation, which allows him to make late runs and have more time on the ball. He has looked sharp in the preseason tour and all would hope he remains injury free this season.
Hector Bellerin had a bad start to the season in the Emirates Cup against Benfica where the Spaniard was taken off in the second half. Wenger had attributed his patchy play to a lack of match sharpness and we expect it to be that way.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should start on the right-wing back position as he has looked devastating in that role. New boy Sead Kolasinac should start on the other flank after he looked quite productive from the left flank.
Attack
Arsenal see a sudden surge in their attacking options now with Alexandre Lacazette’s arrival and Danny Welbeck fit. We expect Lacazette to start alongside Mesut Ozil in the attacking midfield position with Giroud up front. Wenger would back Giroud and Lacazette’s link-up play to create problems for Chelsea.
