Big Match: Arsenal v Chelsea: Community Shield Preview Featuring Sportivation

Two London giants to meet again in Wembley on Sunday to launch the 2017/2018 Season of English football.

The match pits the Premier League champions and the FA Cup winners, while it takes place less than three months after the Gunners beat Chelsea at the same ground 2-1 in the FA Cup final; their third Cup triumph in four seasons.
The two sides also met in Bird’s Nest stadium in China a fortnight ago where the Blues comfortably won 3-0, albeit in a pre-season friendly. These London rivals have met twice previously in the Community Shield. Chelsea were 2-1 winners in 2005, while Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 in 2015 thanks to a screamer from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

It’s worth pointing out that Arsenal have won all of their last eight matches at Wembley. While not exactly a Cup final, the Community Shield is not a match that either will want to lose. Chelsea have gone on to win the league title in both the seasons in which they lifted the trophy.

"It promises to be an explosive encounter between the two biggest clubs in London. The Traditional Curtain Raiser which some people have termed a 'glorify Friendly' But Like Conte said, it is not a friendly both clubs will be eager to lay down a marker.

Chelsea have not been convincing in their last two matches, they seems to lack penetration and direction in the absence of Hazard.

The EPL Champions will be on a revenge Mission after losing the FA Cup to Arsenal thus denying them the opportunity of winning a domestic double in Conte's first season in England. But Arsenal have a way of pulling off suprising result when you least expect them to do so. So i am expecting a keenly contested affair." Taiwo Sport Journalist Ibrahim with an unbiased view about the match.

Arsene Wenger has stuck to a back three for most of the summer and is expected to continue with his new system on Sunday.

Recently returned from an extended break, Alexis Sanchez is in line to compete in the Wembley showpiece. Wenger will likely include him and Shkodran Mustafi in the matchday squad.

Francis Coquelin had to be withdrawn through injury at the Emirates Cup and is a doubt.

Gabriel Paulista will miss the start of the season, while Jack Wilshere is not yet fully fit.

Despite some confusion surrounding his ban, Laurent Koscielny is available for for the match.

The Frenchman received a red card and a three-match ban for a ridiculous foul on Enner Valencia in Arsenal’s final League match against Everton, ruling him out of the FA Cup final, as well as the first two league matches of the new season (Leicester & Stoke games).

Likewise, Victor Moses – sent off for simulation in May’s Cup final – is available for Sunday but will miss the Blues’ first League game against Burnley.

Pedro suffered multiple face fractures in the recent meeting with Arsenal and is a doubt.

Eden Hazard and new signing Tiemoue Bakayoko will both miss the start of the season with respective ankle and knee injuries.