Chelsea are up against city rivals Arsenal next in Premier League action over the upcoming weekend with Thomas Tuchel’s men making the travels to the Emirates Stadium.
Both teams enjoyed contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the new season with Chelsea emerging comfortable victors over Crystal Palace in a 3-0 scoreline at the home turf of Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal, meanwhile, endured a shock defeat at the hands of the league’s new boys Brentford who secured all three points from their first match in top-flight action since 1947.
The upcoming matchup is considered pivotal for either side as Chelsea look to carry on their winning ways in their hopes to claim the Premier League crown while Arsenal will be backed to get their house in order just the second game into the 21-22 campaign.
Tuchel’s west Londoners remain the favourites for the upcoming clash but an under-fire Arsenal side could prove to be dangerous for Chelsea who are likely to have new boy Romelu Lukaku on the teamsheet for his debut outing following his return to the Premier League.
Lukaku’s big-money move from Inter Milan to Stamford Bridge gives Thomas Tuchel some much-needed firepower on the attacking front and the Belgian striker’s goalscoring prowess, as witnessed in recent years, are of importance to the Blues who have failed to hit the ground running in the final third of the pitch.
The likes of N’Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell are also expected back on the starting teamsheet for the weekend’s visitors to North London meaning Tuchel will be confident of his players putting up a solid showing once again to secure the win and retain their rich vein of form.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Sunday 22 August
Time: 3:30 PM GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Tuchel had the injury concern of N’Golo Kante to deal with last time around but the Chelsea boss has confirmed that the French midfield maestro will be available for selection heading into the weekend clash.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has tested positive for COVID-19 and the midfielder who is hoping to secure a first-team berth at Stamford Bridge this season is sidelined for the Arsenal fixture.
New signing Romelu Lukaku is heavily backed to make his second debut in the Chelsea shirt come Sunday and his inclusion into the XI could mean that Timo Werner drops down to the bench.
Another change on the cards could be a recall issued to last summer’s big-money signing Ben Chilwell who is tipped to replace the in-form Marcos Alonso in the left wing-back role for the Blues.
KEY BATTLE
Romelu Lukaku v Ben White
Introducing your new number… 👀
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2021
What better debut could Lukaku ask for other than finding the back of the net upon his return to Premier League football should the Belgian be handed a start in the upcoming clash against the Gunners.
For Arsenal it will be new boy Ben White who will be hoping to forget the Brentford debacle and move on with his new life in North London and many expect the former Brighton man to step up his game going forward.
MATCH PREDICTION
Despite Arsenal’s rut of a showing against Brentford on the opening day and Chelsea’s impressive win over Palace, Sunday’s derby affair could well end in a stalemate.
We expect a 1-1 scoreline for the Arsenal v Chelsea clash.
