For the first time in 23 years, Chelsea will take on an Arsenal team that won’t be led by Arsene Wenger. The Blues host Gunners Saturday afternoon in what will be a London derby featuring two managers in just their second game ever in charge at their new clubs. For the second week in a row, the Gunners are in the weekend’s blockbuster fixture, and the only match-up of two teams that finished in the top six last season.
Chelsea finished fifth last season, while Arsenal placed sixth, so this is a match-up of two teams are trying to get back into UEFA Champions League next season. Whoever wins here will make an early statement of their intentions by getting a big three points.
Also, the supporter base that sees their side win this clash will have to feel more secure in how the rebuilding process is going under the new managerial regime. Check out 918kiss for gaming action on par like the wagering available on this match, where Chelsea were backed at 4/5, odds for a draw at 14/5, and odds for an Arsenal win are at 100/30.
On the injury front, Chelsea have a nearly full fit squad, so Blues supporters should feel good about that. As for Arsenal, they have limited options in the back line right now.
Ashley Maitland-Niles was in the starting XI against Manchester City, but he picked up an injury in the curtain raiser and will now faces a 6-8 week spell on the sidelines. Also out of commission for Arsenal in this one are Sead Kolasinac, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal.
In this very storied series, Arsenal have won 76 times, while Chelsea have claimed 62 victories. There have been 52 draws in the series, including both league meetings last season. This is a match-up that features two teams with big question marks in certain position groups going head to head with one another.
There are doubts but Arsenal’s ability to stop opposing attacks, much like a lot of us are wondering how Chelsea will consistently put the ball in the back of the net.
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kickoff Time: 5.30 p.m. BST, 12.30 p.m. ET, Saturday, August 18
TV/Live Stream: BT Sport 1 (UK), NBC (USA, BT Sport Live (UK), NBC Sports (USA)
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Arsenal 1
Arsenal are improved from last year, but oh boy do they still have a lot of room for improvement. The Blues have plenty of question marks themselves, but they should be able to take business at home against one of their bitter arch-rivals.
Feel free to post your own Chelsea and/or Arsenal starting XI predictions, as well as your final score predictions.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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