The Premier League round begins with a bang as Arsenal travel South tomorrow night to face a Chelsea team which needs to make big things happen quickly.
It has been a meek title defence so far to say the least from Jose Mourinho’s side, only two points outside of the relegation zone in 17th place after just one win from the opening five games. Last weekend’s showing at Goodison Park was still full of amateur level mistakes at the back, while key players in attack, such as Eden Hazard, are still failing to make any meaningful impact. Supporters will hope that a 4-0 midweek victory over Israeli minnows Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League opener has provided the necessary spark to starting climbing back up the domestic ladder.
The Gunners have been on a far better run then their fierce rivals, yet their stuttering form was exemplified in Croatia with a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday. Nine points from a possible 15 sees Arsene Wenger’s men in fourth, however, their attack is also yet to fully hit their stride in games that should have seen far more convincing scorelines. With increased criticism hanging over the head of striker Olivier Giroud, many supporters are lamenting another transfer window gone by without another out-and-out striker being signed.
Giroud is becoming an albatross for Arsenal. The reliance on him, the criticism he draws for himself and Wenger, the red card tonight.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) September 16, 2015
Although these two proud London clubs have seen some tough results of late, tomorrow night’s derby is sure to still pack all of the fire that this fixture is famous for.
Key Battle – Mesut Ozil vs Nemanja Matic
Having been an unshakable wall sitting ahead of the defence for nearly every minute of Chelsea’s 2014-15 campaign, Nemanja Matic’s drop in form may be one of the most costly factors for the team at the moment. The Serbian is struggling being partnered with an out-of-place Cesc Fabregas and the constant pressure being applied as the reigning champions give possession away cheaply in the midfield.
Their defensive half is set to face another opposition that is packed with speed and creativity, now largely centred on the distribution of Mesut Ozil. The tireless German terrorised a flat Chelsea midfield during the Community Shield and can lead a charge toward goal either down the middle, or along the wings of the pitch. Matic will surely be forced to cover a lot of ground to try and subdue his influence and if Arsenal can present adequate targets inside the box, Ozil will likely have the space to put the ball in their direction.
[interaction id=”55fc386df94584352d133bdb”]
Team News
The midweek European feature saw Mourinho rest John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Matic, who will come back into the squad eager for the chance to silence the current critics in a big match situation. New arrival Pedro and the hardworking Willian are both forced changes for Mourinho due to injury, which could see Loic Remy keep his place in the starting XI.
Although Hector Bellerin, Petr Cech, Per Mertesacker and Aaron Ramsey are all likely be welcomed back into the squad, It is the striking department that will be causing Arsene Wenger headaches. A poor performance capped-off with a red card against Zagreb should see Giroud give his place up for Theo Walcott, who has scored in every match of his previous 11 Premier League starts.
Head-to-head
This weekend will mark the 171st meeting of the two London neighbours, and the 82nd time at Chelsea’s home ground. Arsenal has won 66 times, with the Blues taking the rewards on 55 occasions and 49 draws. The reigning champions are undefeated in the past seven Premier League meetings against the Gunners.
Previous meeting
Arsenal prevailed with a slim 1-0 victory to capture this season’s Community Shield at the beginning of August, where Arsene Wenger recorded his first victory in 14 attempts against Jose Mourinho through a stunning Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain solo goal. The last Premier League meeting of the teams was a 0-0 draw back in April.
Oxlade-Chamberlain Superb Curling Goal !! Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal – Community Shield 2015: http://t.co/lLdqbWGY1x via @YouTube — Football Addicts (@RedevilDb) August 2, 2015
Prediction
There is no better opportunity for Chelsea to put an end to their early season misery, but the Gunners are more than capable of making it another devastating weekend for Mourinho and his faithful. Adding the midweek results to the already erratic nature of this fixture should make it a competitive and entertaining affair, yet current form at the back for both sides suggests that Arsenal will narrowly edge the result.
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
