Prediction: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

Arsenal and Chelsea are set to kick off the 2017-18 Premier League season. The Gunners won the FA Cup last year, while The Blues secured the EPL title. And it is only fitting that both teams will play each other to determine which side will take home the Community Shield. Kick off is set at 2 PM UK time and the match will be played at Wembley Stadium.

Arsenal

Arsenal have played several matches during preseason, but their results have not been inspiring. With 3W 1D and 2L over his last six matches, the fact that one of those defeats came against Chelsea should be a cause for concern. Most of the talk around them during the summer has been around Alexis Sanchez’s potential departure, but he is expected to play this Sunday. And Sanchez is likely to partner up with Alexandre Lacazette upfornt, as the former Lyon starlet is set to make his official debut with The Gunners. Arsenal was disappointing last season, and they want to improve on recent campaigns. Starting with a win on the Community Shield should do wonders for their morale.

Team News

Arsene Wenger is close to having a full compliment to choose from at Wembley. However, doubts remain over Alexis Sanchez and Shkodran Mustafi after their stints in the Confederations Cup.

Francis Coquelin is a definite absentee after an ankle ligament injury. However, Aaron Ramsey is expected to recover from a slight muscular scare. New signings Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac are expected to feature prominently.

Chelsea

Chelsea have been quite active during the transfer window this summer. Even though they could not sign Romelu Lukaku, Antonio Conte managed to strenghten the side accordingly after last year’s title-winning campaign. The arrivals of Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro Morata should make Chelsea an even better side despite the losses of Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa. The latter has been exiled from the squad and even though he remains with the club, he is not going to play anytime soon. Chelsea’s form in recent friendlies has not been the best as they registered straight losses against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. However, they defeated Arsenal 3-0 when both clubs met on July 22.

Team News

Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are unavailable. The Belgian playmaker is recovered from a broken ankle, and the Spaniard has been separated from the squad by manager Antonio Conte.

Pedro is doubtful as he has not been completely cleared from his concussion symptoms after an injury suffered during preseason. This means Alvaro Morata could start on a deeper role, playing as a second forward behind Michy Batshuayi.

Key Factors to Consider

• Alexis Sanchez joined Arsenal’s training sessions this week. He will be a game-time decision for Arsene Wenger.
• Eden Hazard is ruled out due to a broken ankle, so Chelsea won’t have their most dynamic playmaker available.
• The two biggest signings for both clubs, Tiemoue Bakayoko in Chelsea and Alexandre Lacazette in Arsenal, are expected to start.
• The Gunners won the last official match between both teams after securing a 2-1 victory in the 2016-17 FA Cup final.
• This will be the third time these two sides meet in the Community Shield. Chelsea won 2-1 in the 2005-06 season, but Arsenal revenged that loss with a 1-0 victory during the 2015-16 campaign.
• Chelsea have the edge in the past 10 official matches between both clubs, as they have registered five wins against two draws and three defeats.

Conclusion

It is impossible to ignore the fact that two of the best players on the pitch might not play. As it is the case with the first games of the season, defences are not at their best and spaces are often found. Due to this, I believe both teams will find the back of the net.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365