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Premier League | Gameweek 2
Aug 18, 2018 at 5.30pm UK
 
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3-2

Pedro (9'), Morata (20'), Alonso (81')
FT(HT: 2-2)
Mkhitaryan (37'), Iwobi (41')

How Chelsea could line up against Arsenal

Sports Mole predicts how Chelsea will line up for their Premier League showdown with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will be aiming to make it two Premier League wins from two under Maurizio Sarri when they play host to rivals Arsenal this weekend.

The Blues bounced back from their Community Shield loss at the hands of Manchester City by brushing aside Huddersfield Town 3-0 at the John Smith's Stadium on the opening matchday.

Sarri has some big selection calls to make for this next outing, with star man Eden Hazard approaching full fitness and summer signing Mateo Kovacic also in contention for a first start.

Ahead of Saturday evening's showdown, Sports Mole predicts how the Italian will set out his side at Stamford Bridge.



Chelsea possible XI vs. Arsenal
Hazard impressed during his 14-minute cameo from the bench against Huddersfield, but Sarri revealed after the match that the Belgian forward is still not ready for a full outing.

Given the solid showings from Pedro and Willian on the flanks, plus the fact that Hazard has had so little time to adapt to Sarri's methods, the ex-Lille ace may well have to settle for a place on the bench once again.

Kovacic has only had a week to adjust to life at his new club, but reports suggest that the Real Madrid loanee will go straight into the starting lineup to face Arsenal, likely in place of Ross Barkley.

Barkley was used heavily in pre-season and retained his place in the side against Man City and Huddersfield, yet it seems unlikely that he will feature quite so much now that Sarri has strengthened in the middle of the park.

The back five, including new goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, should remain unchanged after the clean sheet at Huddersfield, while elsewhere Cesc Fabregas is carrying a knock that could rule him out against his former club.

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20Southampton2423191854-369


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