London rivals Arsenal continue their preparations for the 2021-2022 campaign this weekend when they play host to Chelsea. The match schedules for Sunday at the Emirates Stadium with kickoff at 5 pm.
Arsenal continues to build for the start of the season against Brentford on August 14 while Chelsea begins their campaign at Crystal Palace.
The pre-season for Arsenal took a turn for the worse after a coronavirus scare at the camp. Furthermore, the plans for a tour in the United States was called off as a precaution. The side had preparations against Inter Milan and Everton.
What followed was friendlies against Scottish sides Hibernian and Celtic. Afterwards, the side held an in-door clash with Watford that ended with a 4-1 win. There is much going on in the summer transfer window for the Gunners.
In addition, Mikel Arteta introduced the new signing Ben White from Brighton. The England International already hit the training ground and remains in contention for a start this weekend. Next week, Gunners have a clash with North London rivals Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Chelsea takes on their last two pre-season friendlies before facing Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup at Windsor Park. It has been quiet in terms of transfers for Thomas Tuchel. However, Giroud and Tomori both joined AC Milan. Joules Kounde is the name of the transfer list to add to the bolstering squad.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Head to Head
Both sides have 40 games against each other, with Arsenal taking 14 wins while Chelsea with 18 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Arsenal 4-1 Watford
- Rangers 2-2 Arsenal
- Hibernian 2-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
- Crystal Palace 1-3 Arsenal
Away
- Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
- Man City 0-1 Chelsea
- Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
- Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City
- Chelsea 0-1 Leicester City
Arsenal Team News
Mikel Arteta will put up a strong starting XI, given the intensity of the clash. Thus, we expect to see Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe, Rob Holding and Aubameyang start. Albert Sambi Lokonga impressed on his debut and is a contender to start.
Chelsea Team News
Attacking duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are available for selection after a stint in the Euros 2020. Other faces to get minutes to include Malang Sarr, Drinkwater and Dujon Sterling. Tammy Abraham might get some minutes after a rumoured move to rivals.
Prediction and Odds
Even though there isn’t much to lose, both managers will be looking to put up a show as a statement for next season.
- Draw
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Under 3.5
