Why Arsenal need to worry about Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante

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  • Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge for the first London derby of the Premier League season on Saturday.

    Maurizio Sarri’s side are fresh from their away victory over Huddersfield but Arsenal promises to be a greater test.

    Here are a couple of key Chelsea tactics to look out for.

    Read all about Arsenal’s key tactics here.

    HAZARD FACTOR

    Eden Hazard came off the bench against Huddersfield and made an instant impact, driving at defenders and setting up the third goal. The Belgian is set to start against Arsenal and spells danger for the visitors.

    Sarri instructs his wide forwards to cut inside and attack the half spaces, a ploy that’s right up Hazard’s alley. Alvaro Morata will prove less of a threat than Sergio Aguero so Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis may be comfortable with containing the Spaniard. However, it’s Hazard they will have to worry about.

    Marcos Alonso can provide sufficient width on the left, encouraging Hazard to drift inside where he will have Ruben Loftus-Cheek to link up with and Morata to occupy the centre-backs.

    KANTE’S ADVANCED ROLE

    Fantasy Premier League managers flocked towards N’Golo Kante after his goal against Huddersfield but his strike was one of a player out of his element and for good reason.

    The Frenchman doesn’t boast the instincts, finishing or timing of his runs to be a reputed goal-scoring midfielder – although he’s bound to improve in that regard. Instead, his advanced role has more to do with his ball-winning ability rather than his capacity to contribute to the goals for column.

    Sarri employs a high-press and the World Cup winner is key to winning possession in the attacking third. Arsenal have shown a determination to play out from the back but have also faltered in doing so. Kante could make them pay for that extra fraction of a second spent dwelling on the ball.

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