Ahead of their Premier League clash, Arsenal and Chelsea UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree with their predictions or have they missed the mark? And what do YOU think the outcome of the game will be?
Have your say by commenting below, using #360Fans on Twitter or getting in touch via Facebook.
Toby Young, CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
Chelsea have shown some renewed form and hunger so far this season. Despite last Friday night’s loss to Liverpool, which was arguably our worst performance of the season, you can see how Antonio Conte has reinvigorated the players.
It is more or less the same team that struggled so badly at times last season. The key reason for the turnaround seems to be the return to form of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard. Yet, with that in mind the defence does seem unusually leaky for a team under the Italian’s control. Tuesday’s win against Leicester in the Cup was no exception with two eminently preventable goals being conceded, both of which were almost comical after defensive mistakes.
Arsenal have started the season in reasonable form and now that Wenger has opened his chequebook, the Gunners look like a much more balanced squad than last season. Early blips seem to have been overcome with some last minute goals and Granit Xhaka’s two recent strikes offer evermore hope to a team that perennially finishes in the top four.
Chelsea’s only real injury doubt appears to be that of our leader John Terry. That, of course, excludes Kurt Zouma who has been out since the middle of last season.
CHELSEA MAN TO WATCH: Cesc Fabregas. If he is given the chance to play. His minutes on the pitch have been limited thus far but he looked in good form scoring twice against Leicester. If he doesn’t play then I think we will all be keeping an eye on Costa.
Cesc Fabregas' first goal. #CFC pic.twitter.com/eTP2J56NdZ
— Roman Abramovich (@MrAbramovich_03) September 20, 2016
ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: It could well be Alex Iwobi – after making his first start of the season against Watford last weekend, he looked in fine form and will likely continue in the role out wide.
LIKELY XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Kante, Matic, Hazard, Fabregas, Willian; Costa.
Score Prediction: 1 – 1
Favourite moment: There have been a few over the years but beating Arsenal 6-0 in Wenger’s 1,000th match in charge is right up there. Naturally, as many as we have Arsenal will no doubt have a few too. For us, just don’t mention the Kanu hat-trick or that Nigel Winterburn goal!
TWITTER: @UAECSC
FACEBOOK: Chelsea Supporters Club UAE
Richard Dcruze, ARSENAL UAE SUPPORTERS’ CLUB
The most high profile match of the weekend, and Arsenal’s toughest fixture every season, Saturday sees Chelsea drive their bus to the Emirates Stadium. This fixture never goes unfinished without controversy.
It’s been six years since the North London outfit beat Chelsea at home – an impressive 3-1 win where we saw the Blues out in 53 minutes. With Antonio Conte at the helm, it’s not going to be easy to claim all three points.
I’m a huge fan of Conte. He made Juventus dominant by winning three consecutive Serie A titles – his first season the club saw them win the league undefeated.
And being a hardcore Italian national team supporter I was surprised with how he took an under-strength squad, written off by many including myself, all the way to the quarter-finals. He may have not found the right balance needed for Chelsea, but he will surely get there.
Arsenal has been pretty impressive so far. We kick-started our season slow with a loss to Liverpool and a draw against defending champions Leicester City. But since then the lads just accelerated, picking up three wins in a row and over-taking their Saturday opponents by goal difference.
A win against Chelsea will boost the team’s morale even more and will make a statement to the rest of the league that we’re hungry.
It may be too early to say, but the new additions to the squad look to have settled in gracefully. Wenger needs to start Lucas Perez and Grant Xhaka, as life’s lesson has already taught the Gunners that Chelsea doesn’t have weak players.
And, after watching the recent Chelsea matches, we need to match their physical strength and take advantage of their rather unsettled defence.
Wenger’s 1000th game in charge of Arsenal saw Chelsea hammer us 6-0. I hope history doesn’t repeat itself on the Frenchman’s 20th anniversary as Arsenal manager.
ARSENAL MAN TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka – In case you’ve not heard, he’s scored two fantastic screamers from way outside the box. Can we have more of the same, please?
Twice in a matter of a few days from Xhaka! #afc [via @arsenalterje] pic.twitter.com/FaP31NaJm0
— UberArsenal™ (@UberAFC) September 20, 2016
CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Cesc Fabregas – Our former captain may still be trying to prove his worth as a starter for Conte, but he singlehandedly destroyed Leicester by coming off the bench during their League Cup match. We know how great the Spaniard is. After all, we made him who he is today.
An honourable mention has to go out to that cheat Diego Costa, as well. He’s definitely going to try getting someone sent off.
LIKELY XI: Cech, Monreal, Mustafi, Koscielny, Bellerin, Coquelin, Xhaka, Ozil, Cazorla, Walcott, Sanchez.
Score Prediction: 1 – 1
Favourite moment: October 23, 1999 – Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal. Losing 2-0, Nwankwo Kanu puts on a memorable show and kills Chelsea in 15 minutes with a magical hat-trick.
TWITTER: @AFCUAE
