I don't think Bellerin will overlap much this game.  Believe me, the sight of Eden Hazard gives every defender nightmares - they would rather stay close to Eden than overlap and get caught!

8 hours ago, quik said:

There will be a repeat of the game at the bridge in 2014, 6-0 to the blues! KTBFFH

Got a feeling points will be shared in this meeting not a 0-0 though!

Happy to be wrong and see us take all three yet just a gut feeling.

On 15/08/2018 at 17:50, Gol15 said:

It would be great if Morata could score

 

Cesc injured unavailable.

Preliminary thoughts:

1) Surprisingly, I thought that Arsenal were actually better last week than they were last season in the same fixture (0-3). Last week they actually appeared to improve as the game progressed before the second goal took the wind out of their sails. I am a little worried they'll continue to do so.

2) Most of Arsenal's transfers wouldn't inspire much confidence if I was an Arsenal fan. Torreira was quite good for Sampdoria and Guendouzi seems to be quite talented, but an out-of-form Sokratis/Leno? An ageing, past-it Lichtsteiner in a more intense league? No thanks. 

3) Who is their 'real captain' ATM? Their appointed captain is currently injured and they have several vice-captains? Why? Is there so little real authority in the side that Emery feels the need to spread the captaincy duties? If anything all that does is dilute each vice captain's authority because nobody is 100% sure who to answer to, or even why.

4) The thought of playing a high line against Aubameyang/Lacazette/Mkhitaryan is unsettling because all three accelerate quite quickly - hope Sarri knows what he's doing. I wouldn't play a high line at all against Arsenal, but I assume that he will and so I would consider playing Emerson instead of Alonso just because his extra acceleration/pace will probably be necessary. 

5) I expect there to be goals in this game - both sides have not been fully drilled and so are potentially quite porous at the back (more so Arsenal than Chelsea). Chelsea do have the better personnel and so I would consider us favourites, but it could easily go the other way as well. 

Let’s get in the mood

 

Just had a look on their forums and they seem to think they'll line up as follows:

                            Leno                             
Bellerin - Mustafi - Sokratis - Lichtsteiner
             Guendouzi - Torreira                   
                            Ozil                               
  Mkhitaryan - Lacazette - Aubameyang  

The only confirmed change from this line up is that Cech will start in net.

Taking a look at it that defense is laughable, Hazard and co will have an absolute field day against it. I expect us to score 2 or 3 past these.

Mkhi against Alonso doesn't worry me too much, Laca can be contained  by Luiz/Rudiger and if i wanted anyone defending against Auba's pace it'd be Azpi/Rudiger.

The midfield battle will be none existent, Ozil won't pressure Jorginho like Foden did and Kante and Barkley will run those two children about.

Only change i want to see our end is Hazard starting.

3-0 Chels.

 

gaffer's pre-match press conference

 

1 hour ago, robdog said:

gaffer's pre-match press conference

 

His English has already improved a lot. Really likeable guy Maurizio. 

5 minutes ago, evissy said:

His English has already improved a lot. Really likeable guy Maurizio. 

Don Maurizio gave me highs & lows with that presser - he made me laugh with his City makes everyone look bad comment - then he made me really sad with his comments about Genoa - I hope he can stay with Chelsea a long time

Feel confident that we’ll get three points tomorrow. Feel more positive about the squad and the shape than a month ago! 

I never get tired of watching this goal & I had to share it w/ The World!!!

Arsenal will do everything to avoid two defeats in the first two matches. Tough one.

5 hours ago, coco said:

Cesc injured unavailable.

He's still Chels

I know it is too early to draw any meanigful conclusion, but we should have the first taste of Sarriball in tomorrow’s derby. 

There is no better feeling in football than beating the delusional Gooners. 

 

7 hours ago, coco said:

Cesc injured unavailable.

2 hours ago, Lord said:

I know it is too early to draw any meanigful conclusion, but we should have the first taste of Sarriball in tomorrow’s derby. 

There is no better feeling in football than beating the delusional Gooners. 

 

How are the gooners delusional? Everytime I’ve spoken to Arsenal fans they’re always pessimistic. I’d say they’re the most gloomy fans in the league, West Ham though, that’s a whole different kettle of fish.

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Hazard is going to smash Arsenal tomorrow!  I can see it!!  3-1 Chelsea hazard brace

6 hours ago, EmeraldBlue said:

Arsenal will do everything to avoid two defeats in the first two matches. Tough one.

Most def.........they will be up for it.......emery aint stupid, he will sit back and play on the counter, he wont take risks.

On ?16?/?08?/?2018 at 14:27, Munkworth said:

Is it Saturday yet? This week is going so slow. 

It is now, at last.

Come on Chelsea.

Just beat this lot.

13 minutes ago, erskblue said:

It is now, at last.

Come on Chelsea.

Just beat this lot.

10 hours before fear and loathing in front of the telly 

1 hour ago, Valerie said:

10 hours before fear and loathing in front of the telly 

Funny when I watch us on TV it's a lot more nerve wrecking, at a game the atmosphere and beer keep you calmer, I will make sure I've have taken my calming liquid! before I walk into the bridge later.

GAMEDAY!!! COME ON CHELS!!!

I reckon Arsenal will be better than what we saw against City. City made us look disorganised and lethargic. Think it will be a tough game. 

1-1.