Chelsea’s clash against Arsenal on Sunday pits together the only two remaining unbeaten teams in the Premier League so far. Although Chelsea are flying high in the League and both in Europe, the visitors themselves are coming on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win in the Champions League.
The clash between the two Premier League giants will also see Fabregas line up against his former club, Arsenal. Last season’s 6-0 demolition of the Gunners seems like a long time ago, but the Blues will be looking to continue their momentum and their push for the League title. So let’s take a look at the team which is likely to take the field in Stamford Bridge against the Gunners.
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois
Before the start of the season, there were question marks over whether Mourinho will hand Thibaut Courtois the No.1 role and how well the Belgian will respond to it. So far at least, Courtois has shown just why he is regarded as one of the best keepers in Europe at the moment. He will have his task cut out for him if he is to keep his third clean sheet in the league, when he faces the Gunners.
Defence
Ivanovic – Cahill – Terry – Azpilicueta
The arrival of Fillipe Luis looked set change the composition of the Chelsea defence, but so far, the Brazilian has rarely had a look in and the status quo from last season has remained. At right back, Branislav Ivanovic’s rampaging runs have provided not only some width but also goals as well. On the other flank, Cesar Azpilicueta has merely continued from where he left off last season and has made the left back position his own, even though he is principally a right back.
In the centre of defence, Gary Cahill and John Terry have once again shown just why they are regarded as arguably the best centre back pairing in the Premier League. The duo will certainly have to be on their toes as they come up against a fast and furious Arsenal forward line.
Midfield
Matic – Fabregas – Willian – Oscar – Hazard
One of the main reasons why Chelsea came ever so close to winning the League last time out was their January signing Nemanja Matic. The Serbian has provided them with not just the presence and physique in front of the defence, but also the ability on the ball to get forward and score goals. Mourinho would want the Serbian to stay put against Arsenal and anchor the midfield while his partner Cesc Fabregas gets on with all the attacking work. The Spanish midfielder has been a revelation since he joined Chelsea and his partnership with Matic and his link-up with Diego Costa has been the main reason why the Blues are flying high in the League. Cesc will look to produce those defense-splitting passes to tear apart his ex-team’s back-line.
In front of them, Oscar looks set to continue in the No.10 role that he has made his own. The Brazilian has started to come good in the last few games and Mourinho will be hoping that continues against the Gunners. On either side of him, Willian and Eden Hazard will take their place on the wings. While the Brazilian has had a few good performances of late, which has helped him cement his starting role, Hazard has been off colour since the start of the season. With the onus of creating chances not solely on him anymore many expected him to shine, but after a disappointing World Cup the Belgian has rarely shone.
Striker
Diego Costa
Although Mourinho said that Diego Costa wasn’t in a position to play three games in a week, the Spanish striker looks set to start against the Gunners on Sunday. The Spaniard has started the season on fire and will be hoping to add to his goal tally against an Arsenal defence that is teeming with injuries. Even if he isn’t a 100% fit, he will still be a handful for the Gunners’ defence.
Jose Mourinho’s pre-match press conference on next page>>>>>>>>>>>>>