International Champions Cup: Arsenal vs Chelsea - Preview Featuring David Scarlett

One would tend to wonder, why would anyone really do a preview for a friendly game? Truth behind it is, for the first time for some time, each club are going through very different period than what their fanbases are accustom to.


For Arsenal, it is its first managerial change in over 20 years. a new style, philosophy and everything seems to be on the up. By the looks of things from preseason, Arsenal are on course to win the quadruple... I kid. However, everything around the club, seems different. The responsibilities that have all laid upon Arsène Wenger for years, which may have hindered him from focusing on the team, has now been shared amongst several new roles in the club. All this change spearheaded by none other than Arsenal's chief executive, who, ironically, is linked with a move away. However, despite their efficiency, bringing in 5 players before the second week of July, a lack of funds from consecutive years of missing out the Champion's League and some recently signed high wage contracts, the club may not have gotten all of their business done. Combined with one of the club's stars, Aaron Ramsey, reluctance to sign a new deal, the club may still be stuck in its old ways of being held ransom by its players.

Chelsea, however, are accustom to managers' stints at Roman Abramovich's Chelsea to be quite brief. Despite what any onlooker may think about his policies, Roman's reign as majority shareholder has tended to work brilliantly, winning numerous trophies over the past few years stretching back to 2003. However, this time around things have not been as the norm. With Abramovich's UK visa not yet been renewed, he has understandably been reluctant to investing large sums into a club based in a country he isn't allowed in. Therefore, Chelsea has had to be much wiser with their spending. As a result, in times past what would of been a very swift, efficient process of replacing their manager, has turned into a drawn out dilemma for over 2 months. Thus, pushing their transfer plans back as well as giving Sarri, the new boss, less time to work with his new team. With the transfer window closing in just over a week, and the club's biggest stars being linked abroad who knows what Chelsea would look like come August 11th?

So here we are, two clubs looking different from their previous images. So then, what can we expect from this preseason encounter? We've asked John Christopher and David Scarlett of Corner Flag Talk and The Football 4tress respectively their thoughts ahead of the clash in Dublin, Ireland.

Thoughts so far under new managers?

John: I believe a lot of what the club's promoting to be overly emphasized with respect to training and tactics and whatnot but there is no disagreeing that there has been change. Admittedly, Unai Emery was not any fan's first choice, or probably any of their choices, by a mile. However, we've asked for change and gotten it and the response both in training and even in the not-very competitive preseason games has been fantastic. The players have seem to taken to his tactics very well, and personally, I love how willing he is to switch formations to suit which is something I have not seen often enough under Arsène. Under Emery there is genuine hope that we can compete for top honors again.

David: From what I've seen so far, he's brought new life to Chelsea. Chelsea seem like a new team. To be honest, I didn't follow him and his style when he was at Napoli so his system is new to me. But I'm loving what I'm seeing so far. I believe that, when all our senior players return, Sarri will mesh Chelsea into a genuine title contender again.

Key players so far for the new manager?

David: He's the new boy in the squad, but I think Jorginho will be extremely important --- both for tomorrow and the entire season. He has been forming a beautiful partnership with Cesc Fabregas so far, a bit similar to the Matic-Fabregas partnership in 2014/2015. On his Chelsea debut, he made 98 successful passes from 101 touches of the ball. It will be interesting what he pulls out of the hat tomorrow.

I also think that David Luiz will be key in tomorrow's fixture. The Brazilian looks reborn under Sarri thus far. His center-back partnership with Ethan Ampadu has worked well for the past two games. I'm adamant that he'll be vital in stifling Aubameyang and Lacazette, and he may provide something going forward as well.

Finally, I strongly believe that Calum Hudson-Odoi will be a valuable asset. His youthful vibrancy and pace on the flanks will provide real tests to Hector Bellerin or whoever Emery decides to play at right-back. He's put in two solid performances against Perth Glory and Inter Milan, and I'm sure he'll continue his fine form against the Gunners. This pre-season campaign might just be enough to get him into the first team when the season begins.

John:  So far, we haven't seen Torreira as yet, as he only returned to training on Monday, as did the Swiss guys so I'm not sure how they'll be utilized as yet. But from the players used, the Aubameyang-Lacazette pairing has to be noted. Whether it has been the 2 on top or Aubameyang out wide they have played a lot together and, even last season, to tremendous levels. Mustafi actually has been in pretty good form despite fans, including myself, wanting him sold.

Chambers as well seems to have gotten a lot of game time so maybe that's a hint. In the midfield, Guendouzi has been really well in the deep playmaker role and would actually be interesting who gets to play that role more between him and Xhaka. It is really exciting to see how Unai will mesh Torreira into this team, who would have definitely been promised regular first team football.

Ramsey has also played a great part, which could be down to his availability, as he had no World Cup, but given his contractual situation, it would be interesting as to how Emery will use him. Despite all that, the pressing that has been a pattern to Arsenal’s play recently would be key against the possession-based football of any Sarri team. Hence, whoever is put unto the pitch would definitely be charged with instructions to close down the opposition quickly, especially the human-metronome Jorginho.

Any Expected Business between now and the end of the Transfer Window?

John: Mostly outgoings not high expectations on any ins. It is a personal opinion that I think we will try to sell Ramsey at some point. Obviously foreign clubs have a longer window so  the timeline on that isn't as short as if we are to bring in a replacement. To be fair to Emery, our midfield seems well stocked with about 6-7 first team players competing for 2-3 positions so I'm not too worried there. I would like a winger but there aren't many options on the market and most clubs with top class wingers don't seem keen on selling. On departures, I could see some others including Ospina, Welbeck, Willock maybe even Akpom, Jenkinson and Zelalem. Never know, we could pull a transfer deadline-day madness!

David: In terms of signings, I think that Chelsea's business is almost done. I'm hopeful that we'll get Rugani from Juventus. Besides that, I don't see us bringing in anyone new, even though many media sites are reporting that we'll be getting Higuain. I also don't see anyone (permanently) leaving the club either. I'm confident that Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Willian and Ngolo Kante will all stay, despite the many transfer rumours circulating the football world. Ethan Ampadu may go out on loan if we do manage to sign Rugani.

Predicted Lineups for the game in Dublin?

David: I expect Chelsea to field a strong team, at least in the first half. With the return of Cesar Azpilicueta, I think he'll start and wear the armband. Caballero may replace Bulka in goal and I'm opting for the midfield trio that started against Perth Glory to keep their places.

Chelsea (4-3-3):

Cabellero; Azpilicueta David Luiz Ampadu Marcos Alonso; Jorginho Fabregas Barkley; Pedro Morata Hudson-Odoi.

John: Given how late Lichtsteiner, Xhaka, Monreal and Torreira have returned, I don't have high expectations to see them, maybe 1 or 2 off the bench. I'd love to see Guendouzi have a go against a side like Chelsea who also have a big part of their first team already back. Nelson might get another runout and I'd also like to see Emery use Iwobi in a deeper role, off the bench perhaps, where we can really utilize his buildup play and dribbling abilities. Lastly, given how well both Mustafi and Chambers are playing, I'd like to see more of that. So, I'm going for:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): 
Čech; Bellerin Mustafi Chambers Kolasinac: Maitland-Niles Guendouzi; Nelson Özil Mkhitaryan: Aubameyang.

Lastly, who’s going to win?

John: Well, based on preseason form I'd have to go for Arsenal. But this game is set up perfectly for Possession-based football vs Counter-Attacking football. Midfield battle would definitely be key especially given Sarri's style of play. I'm going for a 3-2 to the Arsenal.

David: Arsenal have looked menacing so far under Unai Emery, but Chelsea have looked solid. I predict that the game will finish 2-2 after regular time and Chelsea will win 5-3 on penalties.

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Corner Flag Talk would like to thank Football 4tress for their collaboration on this article and in particular David Scarlett the co-author on this piece. It was an honor to work with them and we look forward to future endeavors together.


Facebook: David Scarlett
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Website:  https://thefootball4tress.com/