Matchday Preview Premier League

Chelsea FC will hope to put their miserable start in the English Premier League (EPL) behind them when they host Arsenal. It’s a big one for both clubs, a win for Chelsea FC would go a very long way in repairing the negative feelings that have surrounded Jose Mourinho and his men.

History does not favor Arsenal against a Chelsea side led by Jose Mourinho, Oh, and Yes! We remembered what happened the last time Chelsea and Arsenal met. Can the Community Shield victory give Arsenal the needed morale boost against an unassured Chelsea side in the league game this weekend?

This is an opportunity for Wenger to make a resounding statement and set the record straight against his long-time nemesis in the EPL.

QUICK FACTS

·           Chelsea are unbeaten against Arsenal in their last seven Barclays Premier League matches.

·           Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger secured his first win over Jose Mourinho in the Community Shield at the 14th attempt in all competitions (D6 L7).

·           Jose Mourinho has never lost successive home leagues matches as a manager. His last home loss EPL match was a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

·         Chelsea have kept five clean sheets in their last seven league matches against Arsenal, including the last four in a row.

·           Chelsea have conceded one more goal than any other side in the BPL

FORMS AND RECENT MEETINGS

Only four months ago, Mourinho and his men were basking in the euphoria of victory, as they claimed their fourth BPL title. However, with only five games into the new season, Chelsea are already trailing last season’s runner-up, Manchester City, by 11 points and are 16^th on the league table. Arsenal has a decent start to their BPL campaign, claiming 10 of a possible 15 points and are 4^th on the league table.

Last five matches

Chelsea's last 5 matches: DLWLL

Arsenal's last 5 matches: LWDWW

Mourinho vs Wenger

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea will be going into the game without the services of: Willian, Thibaut Curtois and Pedro Rodriguez. Radamel Falcao may be available for selection.

Arsenal seem to be gradually overcoming their perennial injury crisis. However, Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshare are not available for selection.

CHELSEA VS ARSENAL PREDICTION

In the last matchup between these two teams, Wenger surprised his Portuguese counterpart by introducing a tactical variation which nullified Mourinho’s tactical plan. It’s expected that Wenger will once again mobilize his men to play the “pressing” game, which did not only limit Chelsea's forward movement but also put them under pressure when they attempted to play backward, hence, losing the ball to the Arsenal players most of the time. If they can replicate the level of discipline they showed in that game and if they can take advantage of Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities, Arsenal may have another taste of victory against their London rivals. 

However, Mourinho’s ability to develop and implement strategy combined with a relentless pursuit of victory will play huge role in the outcome of the match. Both sides are under pressure to win, but the results in the midweek champions’ league games will have an effect on the morale of both teams.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Nemanja Matic

Arguably the best defensive midfielder in the BPL, Matic plays a very important role in the Chelsea system. He is a powerhouse in the middle of the park and has shown many times how good he is with the ball at his feet. His ball winning ability, and the desire to help in attack makes him indispensable in the Chelsea set-up.

Francis Coquelin        

   

Probably the most underrated player in the Arsenal team. He is the type of player every team hoping to compete for titles, must have. He represent the physical aspect of the game, he is very brave and never afraid to go in for the tackle. He will play a key role in trying to break Chelsea's attacking moves.

Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s top scorer in 2014/2015 EPL season. Quick, direct and dynamic, these are some of the characteristic of Sanchez that he will be willing to deploy to hurt the questionable Chelsea defense.

FINAL THOUGHT

It is going to be a massive task for Arsenal to defeat Chelsea at home. The positive for Arsenal is that Chelsea looked vulnerable at the moment. However, I think Mourinho’s dominance of Wenger and Arsenal will continue. I hope I am terribly wrong.

What do you think? Who will take the maximum point?

My Prediction: Chelsea 2  Arsenal 1