Chelsea face Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, in what is the Blues’ first chance to win silverware this season.
After a comfortable 3-0 win against the Gunners in China, back to back defeats against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan somewhat dampened the mood around the club. However, a win on Sunday will relieve some of the growing tension between the fans and club after what, so far, has been an unsatisfactory transfer window.
Although the reigning champions of England go into the game favourites, Chelsea will once more be without Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko, with the latter also not being expected to be fully fit for Burnley, our first Premier League game of the season.
Pedro is also unexpected to be fit due to the facial injury he suffered in China. On a more positive note, Victor Moses will serve his one match suspension against Burnley, and not on Sunday. Also, despite Antonio Conte questioning Alvaro Morata’s fitness earlier in the week, he now believes the striker is in good condition to fight for a starting place against Arsenal.
Here is how we think Chelsea will line up for the competitive beginning of a hectic season for the football club.
GK – Thibaut Courtois
The number one choice for the foreseeable future. Our defence has proven shaky so far, so Courtois will need to be on top form on Sunday.
RWB – Victor Moses
As Moses is not suspended, he is expected to start as still, due to lack of signings, he is the only effective right wing back at the club.
CB – Cesar Azpilicueta
One of the players that you would expect to be fully fit and ready for this game. One of Conte’s most trusted players at the club.
CB – David Luiz
Throughout pre-season, his presence on the pitch had a calming influence on this Chelsea side, and he will need to continue his form into the Community Shield.
CB – Gary Cahill
Despite the signing of Antonio Rudiger, Cahill is the club captain, therefore his place in the side, for now, is almost guaranteed.
LWB – Marcos Alonso
The Spaniard is the only left wing back at the club, and with time in the transfer window rapidly decreasing, it is likely he will be on the team sheet week in, week out this season.
CM – N’Golo Kante
The first name on the team sheet. Vitally important that he is always in the side.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
Has had a relatively good pre-season, and with the club having a shortage of experienced midfielders, the Spaniard will almost certainly start the important match on Sunday.
RW/CM – Willian
Arguably a controversial prediction, but with Pedro and Hazard both out, I don’t believe he will trust the Chelsea youth for this match.
ST – Alvaro Morata
With the club record signing now fit, it is almost guaranteed he will start on Sunday, and after not being played as a centre forward in pre-season, he will now get his opportunity.
ST – Michy Batshuayi
He has shown so much quality and professionalism in pre-season, and for that, I expect him to start. More than anyone else at the club, he deserves the chance to become Chelsea’s first choice striker.
