It is another trip to Wembley for Arsenal as they take on Chelsea in the FA Community Shield on Sunday. The traditional curtain raiser for the season will see the League Champions, Chelsea try to exert revenge for their FA Cup final loss when the Emirates club denied them of the domestic double.
While the win on 27th May proved that the Gunners can deal with any team in England on their day, the match today will be a test of their readiness for the new season after few meaningless pre-season matches.
The Community Shield is not highly regarded, but it remains a trophy and both the two teams will try to grab, at least for the sake of bragging rights.
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Arsenal have most of their first team regulars ready to play and Wenger will have a good squad to select from. Though the likes of Shkodran Mustafi and Alexis Sanchez may be a bit short of match fitness due to their exploits in the Confederation cup and the consequently extended breaks, it remains to be seen if Wenger will opt to draft them into play already.
While Aaron Ramsey is expected to shake off a slight muscular scare and partner with Granit Xhaka in central midfield, Francis Coquelin will miss the match due to an ankle ligament issue. Arsenal fans will also be delighted to see their two new summer additions Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette play their first real competitive match for the Gunners.
Chelsea may have to do without three of their top performers last season as Eden Hazard, Diego Costa, and Pedro are likely to sit out. While Hazard and Pedro have some injury concerns, Costa has been banished from the first team by Italian gaffer Conte. However, new signing, Alvaro Morata might find a reliable partner in the in-form Michy Batshuayi.
Both teams will try to kick start their season on a high and the contest will give the fans a look-in of their respective teams. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will continue their 8 game unbeaten record at Wembley.
