Three predictions for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Premier League football is nearly upon us once more and the excitement is almost palpable. Just one week separates us from witnessing the world’s greatest competitive league and hopes will be high. First things first for Arsenal though, as the lads tackle Chelsea in the English football calendar curtain raiser. Tomorrow’s Community Shield clash takes on a bit of added weight, with Mourinho and Wenger adding yet another exchange to their high profile feud.

Both manager’s confirmed they would be taking the game seriously, in a bid to start the season off on the front foot. After a shorter summer than usual, the match will provide once last chance to iron out the kinks before points are on the line, so it should make for an enthralling affair. Last year’s shield saw Arsenal run out comfortable winners over a depleted City, but I suspect a much tighter affair this time around.

Have a look at three predictions for Arsenal’s Community Shield clash with Chelsea tomorrow.

Theo to score

Theo has been in sensational form of late, really stamping his authority since his return from injury. He has been crying out for a chance in centre forward, and is beginning to prove he can be a reliable goal scorer. Where before he maybe rushed and snatched at his chances, he looks much more calm and composed in front of goal, and with his pace and movement in behind he is a dangerous weapon to have. He can’t stop scoring at the moment, and should be buoyant having just signed a new contract extension complete with a nice bump in salary. He just might be the reason Wenger opts against bringing another striker, so I’m expected a massive performance from Theo tomorrow. I think he’ll start and bag a goal.

Cech to keep a clean sheet

If making your official debut against your old club isn’t motivation enough, I don’t know what is. How about the amount of money the club paid to bring you in? The enormous billing placed on you by Arsenal fans who see you as the next David Seaman? Or perhaps the slew of people who think your best years just may be beyond you? Cech has plenty of reasons to be fired up tomorrow, if you know, a football match in itself wasn’t enough. Cech is a model professional, and will be motivated to help his new team win everything there is to win. Not to mention an extraordinary goalkeeper still. I predict a top drawer display from Cech tomorrow between the sticks, one to keep the critics quite for a while and show that Arsenal just might be ready to challenge for major honours.

The return of Debuchy

New hair do and new beginning for Mathieu, after a nightmare start to life at Arsenal. Two surgeries and months of rehab later, he is finally ready to return yet again. He looked sharp in preseason so far, and he should get the nod over the young Bellerin. He should add some stability to the back line and I’m expecting a good performance from Mathieu tommorow. He will have his hands full with the likes of Hazard and Oscar, so he will have to be on his toes for the full 90 minutes.