1. Cech faces the Blues
IT IS LIKELY to be an emotional day for Arsenal’s new goalkeeper Petr Cech as he lines out against the club he won 15 trophies with in just over a decade. With young Belgian Thibaut Courtois the undisputed number one last season, 33-year-old Cech went in search of first team football and only had to travel across London as Arsene Wenger forked out €14 million (£10m) for his services.
His arrival could well be the difference in Arsenal making a genuine challenge for the title and this will be an intriguing test early in his Gunners career.
2. Mourinho to continue unbeaten run over Wenger?
The head-to-head records make for depressing reading if your name is Arsene Wenger. In 13 meetings between the managers, Jose Mourinho has not suffered defeat once. The Portuguese boss undoubtedly has a hoodoo over his French counterpart, but he has actually been playing down the rivalry this week.
“I don’t take a lot of satisfaction, I don’t explode with happiness when I beat them, and I won’t make drama when I lose,” said Mourinho.
I just want my club to get the best personal results. It doesn’t matter about Arsenal. I just want my club to get the best results. We can lose or draw, in this case you have to be ready for everything.
“I never make my victories over Arsenal an expression of happiness or special pride.”
Say what he likes, but neither man will want to start their season off by losing to one of their main rivals.
3. Will the teams be at full strength?
Chelsea have been boosted by news that Gary Cahill (broken nose) and Diego Costa (hamstring) are available for selection, having both been major doubts thanks to injuries picked up in their recent meeting with Barcelona.
Alexis Sanchez was given an extended break after Chile’s Copa America win so he won’t be involved, while Danny Welbeck is short on fitness so will not feature at Wembley.
4. What of Falcao?
As he will be throughout this season, Chelsea’s new loan signing Radamel Falcao is competing with Diego Costa and Loic Remy for a starting berth this afternoon. The Colombian had a torrid time at Manchester United last term, managing just four goals, but he has been offered a lifeline by Mourinho and the 29-year-old will be desperate to prove he’s still got what it takes to succeed at the very top.
