Both Chelsea and Arsenal go into the game at Stamord Bridge with severe issues to sort out. Chelsea are on the back of their worst start to a league season since 1988. Having lost games to Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Everton, Mourinho’s men have just four points from the opening five games. Their only win coming away to West Bromwich Albion, and just about. The Champions League had better fortunes for the Blues, defeating Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv 4-0.
Arsenal haven’t had the best of starts either this season. Having lost at home to West Ham United in the opening game, the Gunners did manage to pick up seven points, but none of their five games have truly convinced viewers (besides their recent win over Stoke City that could have been far worse had it not been for Jack Butland). But more recently, Arsenal had a disappointing start to their Champions League campaign, losing away to Dinamo Zagreb, arguably the easiest away trip in the group.
2013 was the last time Arsenal scored a goal against Chelsea in the league, a match that saw Frank Lampard and Juan Mata double the hosts lead in the first 16 minutes of the game. But the most recent fixture between the two saw Arsenal get the better of their London rivals. It was also the first time Arsene Wenger managed to experience victory over old foe Jose Mourinho.
But Chelsea’s start to the season certainly makes them a vulnerable target and Wenger is unlikely to get a better opportunity to beat the Portuguese manager in the Premier League. Chelsea have the worst defensive record of all teams this season, conceding an incredible 12 goals, more than any other side in the league.
It’ll be interesting to see what team selection both sides undertake. We’re hoping youngsters from our combined Talent Radar XI make the cut, with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hector Bellerin potentially having a significant role to play in the 90 minutes.
Infographic Credits: FreeSuperTips
