Arsenal and Chelsea will lock horns at Stamford Bridge this weekend and both the teams are still adapting to the new tactics under their respective new managers.
Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery are yet to fully impose their style of play on their teams but getting three points from this match will be crucial for both of them. Over the years, this fixture has seen some high-temper moments, crunching challenges and awe-inspiring goals.
Here we will take a look at 3 key battles which will shape the outcome of the fixture:
#3 Héctor Bellerín vs Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard should be getting his first start under Maurizio Sarri this weekend. Who will make way for him is still a doubt as Pedro is in red-hot form and Willian had a good outing in the previous game.
Bellerin is one of the fastest players in the Premier League, so Hazard won’t be able to get better of him in that department but his dribbling skills could be a real headache for the right-back.
Bellerin’s attacking impetus is something Arsenal tend to rely on, but with Hazard lurking, the Spaniard can ill-afford to let his guard down. Belgium’s captain remains the most important player for Chelsea as they hope to keep him away from Real Madrid’s grasp.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs David Luiz
The Gabon international was full of energy against Manchester City but failed to make a concrete impact for his side. David Luiz is getting the game time he wished to have under Antonio Conte.
Luiz is good on the ball but is often criticised for his defensive positioning. Gary Cahill and Christensen are waiting on the bench, so the Brazilian needs to maintain his consistency to cement his place in the side.
Aubameyang has the pace and composure in front of goal and is pretty good in the air as well, so Luiz will have his hands full come Saturday.
#1 Lucas Torreira vs Jorginho
Both the midfielders are young and trying to adapt to their new surroundings. Jorginho struggled against Manchester City in the Community Shield final but found his feet against Huddersfield.
The Italian was impeccable against the Terriers as Sarri as no one from the Huddersfield side really put the pressure on him like Man City did more than a week ago.
Torreira came off the bench for a brief cameo during Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City. Both the players are young and will be an integral part of their team as the season progresses.
Similar in style, whichever midfielder can remain more composed under pressure will help his side.
