The curtain raiser for the Premier League, the Community Shield, kicks off with Arsenal and Chelsea locking horns at the Wembley Stadium and the fierce London rivals starting off the season is perhaps apt as the two sides look the most likely to contend for the title during the 2015/16 campaign.
Heading into the game, defending Premier League champions Chelsea have to be classed as favourites due to manager Jose Mourinho’s wonderful record over Arsene Wenger but that said, Arsenal are a completely different animal this term following the arrival of Petr Cech and the clash between the two rivals should be a feisty one as a result.
Here is the Strongest Possible Lineup for Chelsea on the day –
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois was the man who usurped the legendary Petr Cech as the number one goalkeeper at Chelsea and it is a testament to the young man’s abilities.
Having enjoyed a wonderful debut season last term, Courtois will surely be looking to consolidate during the upcoming campaign and the Belgian international will be intent on making a good start against Arsenal this weekend.
Defence
The Chelsea backline consisting of Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic was arguably the best in Europe last season and manager Jose Mourinho will surely see no reason why to shake things up ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
For Sunday’s clash against Arsenal, Cahill is doubtful due to a foot injury but the Blues do possess a more than capable replacement in the form of Kurt Zouma, who has the potential to become a mainstay in the Chelsea backline.
Midfield
Chelsea have been very quiet in the transfer market this summer and understandably so. The team which romped their way to the title last season still looks the strongest and arguably the Blues’ main strength is their midfield.
Consisting of Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Oscar, Chelsea possess perhaps the strongest midfield triangle, while the Blues also boast the services of the best wing duo in the Premier League in Eden Hazard and Willian.
As a mark of squad strength, Chelsea will be able to call on the services of star duo Ramires and Juan Cuadrado if things are not going according to plan during the game against Arsenal.
Attack
Diego Costa proved to be a huge hit during his debut season at Chelsea and the striker will only get better during the upcoming campaign.
Along with Costa, Chelsea also possess Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy and when on form, the two backup strikers are capable of winning games on their own.
(4-5-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
