Look for Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri to continue with his plan of attack that involves positioning Eden Hazard in false nine this weekend when the Blues visit Arsenal for the Premier League weekend’s most anticipated fixture.
Striker Alvaro Morata has often spoken publicly about just how unhappy he’s been during his Chelsea stint, and it’s possible that his escape route back to his native Spain could be secured by the time this match kicks off. He’s also nursing a hamstring injury that makes him slightly doubtful for this London derby, so again look for Hazard to lead the line.
Chelsea have not suffered a loss in their last four matches in this series, winning two and drawing two. In the Premier League era, this London derby has been very evenly matched. The 53 previous meetings have seen 16 draws, 19 Arsenal wins and 18 Chelsea victories.
Let’a take a look at what Sarri might place on the pitch for his first team.
On a side note, goalkeeper Petr Cech, a club legend for both sides involved in this match, announced his retirement two days ago. Go here to see some of the tributes he received.
There is chatter out there that Chelsea are considering bringing him back in a coaching role now.
The Bank Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction at Arsenal FC (4-3-3)
Forwards: Pedro, Eden Hazard, Willian
Midfielders: Mateo Kovavic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante
Defenders: Marcos Alonso, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta
Goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga
Chelsea at Arsenal FYIs
Kickoff: Saturday, January 19, 5:30 PM local, Emirates
Google Result Probability: Chelsea win 39%, Draw 28% Arsenal win 33%
Injury Report for both side: go to this link
Arsenal starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Manager Press Conference Videos and Quotes: coming Friday
Odds via Bet Fair: Chelsea win 11/8, Draw 27/10, Arsenal win 19/10
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Chelsea 2
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.