Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs previews the game for Sport360, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
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TOBY YOUNG – CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
Chelsea come into this game after the worst start to a league season in 30 years. The players have not just looked off their game, but have completely lacked any kind of cohesiveness so far. Not one player stands out with any credit from the first five fixtures and despite Jose Mourinho clearly stating that he was ready to make some tough choices when it came to the players that were out of form, he hasn’t. The net result was another pathetic performance against an Everton team that only grew in confidence as the game wore on.
After the Everton defeat, changes had to be made and it was pleasing to see them take effect for Wednesday’s 4-0 victory in the Champions League. The question is now whether Mourinho will stick with that team, or if those dropped or rested will come back in?
Chelsea have a few injury worries ahead of Saturday’s game. Thibaut Courtious is out, but it also looks like Pedro (thigh) and Willian (hamstring) will also be missing. The return of Oscar is a relief and hopefully his run out against Maccabi will have improved his fitness. Although it would be good to see youngster Ruben Loftus Cheek get another game, but it’s unlikely Mourinho will trust him in such an important fixture.
It is essential for the Blues to get their season back on track with a win but on current Premier League form, it is just very difficult to see that happening.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
LIKELY CHELSEA XI: Begovic; Azpilicuetta, Cahill, Terry, Rahman; Matic, Ramires; Oscar, Fabregas, Hazard; Costa
CHELSEA PLAYER TO WATCH: Oscar. No-one has really stood out so far this season, which means there is a lot of expectation about Oscar’s return. When he is on form, he is key to pulling the strings behind the front line and this will be key on Saturday.
ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: Theo Walcott. Although he has not had much game time this year, Walcott keeps popping up with goals. After Olivier Giroud’s midweek dismissal, the Englishman could well start in his place – his pace will be a major threat.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-ARSENAL MEMORY: There have been many but a recent one stands out: The 6-0 thrashing of the Gunners in March 2014. As if the result wasn’t enough, it was Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge. Happy anniversary!
WHERE TO WATCH: As ever we will be at Loca, at the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa on the big screen. Everyone is welcome so please come and say hello!
TWITTER: @UAECSC
FACEBOOK: Chelsea Supporters Club UAE
RICHARD D’CRUZE – ARSENAL SUPPORTERS CLUB UAE
Derby matches are always a joy to watch, and this cross-city affair with Chelsea will be no different. When Arsenal beat the Blues 1-0 in the Community Shield it was the club’s first victory over their rivals since 2011, and Arsene Wenger’s first victory over Jose Mourinho after 12 attempts. Unsurprisingly, much was made of that at the end of the match when he seemingly snubbed his Portuguese counterpart.
Petr Cech’s return to his old stomping ground is a major storyline this weekend. The move has received mixed reactions from Arsenal fans, so a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge – he has had plenty of those over the years – would be most welcome.
Elsewhere, Jack Wilshere is out after undergoing surgery and won’t be back for another three months, while Per Mertesacker looks set to return following 18 days out after he crashed his car when leaving training. Danny Welbeck has had a relapse and won’t be in Wenger’s first team plans until after Christmas.
Theo Walcott started from the bench in what was a disappointing defeat to Dinamo Zagreb and Wenger needs to start him against Chelsea. The England international certainly proved himself capable of leading the Arsenal attack and his pace will definitely be required to trouble a Chelsea defence that has been poor so far this season.
PREDICTION: Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal
LIKELY ARSENAL XI: Cech, Bellerin, Gabriel, Mertesacker, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil; Chamberlain, Sanchez, Walcott
ARSENAL PLAYER TO WATCH: Mesut Ozil. The German has been in prolific form so far this season with his slick passes, assists and attacking runs. Expect him to link up well in the attack and create many goal scoring chances.
CHELSEA PLAYER TO FEAR: Eden Hazard. He hasn’t really started the season well, and after missing a penalty against Maccabi, the Belgian will look to make amends if he wants to keep his place in Mourinho’s starting XI.
FAVOURITE CHELSEA-ARSENAL MEMORY: With 15 minutes left to play at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 1999, Arsenal were 2-0 down. Step forward Nwankwo Kanu. The Gunners striker scored in the 75th minute, equalised in the 83rd and then, in stoppage time, beat Ed de Goey to seal a hat-trick and a memorable 3-2 win.
WHERE TO WATCH: Arsenal UAE’s Dubai branch gathers at Velocity Bar at the JW Marquis in Business Bay. The match will be shown at the downstairs bar and entrance is for members only. For Gunners in the capital, the ArsenalUAE Abu Dhabi chapter gather at Harvester’s in Holiday Inn Downtown.
TWITTER: @AFCUAE
FACEBOOK: Arsenal UAE
For more information on how to become an ArsenalUAE member contact [email protected]
