London Derby: Match preview of Chelsea vs Arsenal
What's the story
Tonight, two heavyweights of the Premier League will face off in one of the most anticipated matches of the English calendar. Chelsea will host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Both clubs are in a period of transition, as new managers are slowly getting acquainted with their jobs. As Emery and Sarri battle it out, we present to you the match preview.
Facts
Some interesting facts to set you up for the match
The two clubs have played 52 Premier League matches since the league's initiation in 1992. Arsenal have won 19 as against Chelsea's 17 victories and 16 draws. Arsenal have not won any match in their last seven visits to Stamford Bridge. It is in Stamford Bridge where the two teams met for the first time ever on November 9, 1907.
Chelsea
Details on the Chelsea squad
Giroud and Kovacic are doubtful to feature in the starting line-up owing to match fitness issues. Cesc Fabregas has a knee injury and thus might be out of action tonight. Sarri might be using a 4-3-2-1 formation with Morata being the striker and the world's costliest goal-keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, featuring as the custodian.
Arsenal
How are Arsenal shaping up?
Arsenal will see five of their players out due to injury-related issues. Jenkinson (ankle), Kolasinac (knee), Maitland-Niles (leg), Koscielny (Achilles), and Monreal (knee) will all stay out of the proceedings tonight. Emery, moving out of his preferred 4-3-3 formation, might play a 4-2-3-1 with Lacazette as the striker. Unlike the last match, Aubameyang will take on his usual role of an attacking right-winger.
Players
Players to watch out for during the fixture
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil can fire up the fixture, as there is no denying he is still one of the most creative attacking mid-fielders around. Eden Hazard enjoyed a brilliant run at the World Cup and might continue his dominance in this match as well. Aubameyang is another attacker with blistering pace and an eye for the goal and deserves a special mention.
TV listing
Predicted line-ups and broadcast details
Chelsea- Kepa, Rudiger, David Luiz, Azpilicueta, Alonso, Jorghino, Kante, Barkley, Pedro, Hazard, Morata Arsenal- Cech, Papastathopoulos, Mustafi, Bellerin, Xhaka, Torreira, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Aubameyang, Lacazette. The match is scheduled at 10:00 PM and can be seen live on Star Sports Select, Star Sports Select HD, and Hotstar.