Arsene Wenger celebrates his 20th anniversary as Arsenal manager this weekend against opponents who have caused him more anguish than almost any other team. Arsenal haven’t beaten Chelsea in league since 2011 and the last victory they experienced over their London rivals at home was in 2010.

The Frenchman has won only five of his last 31 meetings against Chelsea. The north London club and the Blues have suffered one defeat in the league and both teams lost their respective fixtures to Liverpool at home.

Arsenal Tactics

Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 system is designed to allow them to dominate possession. Arsenal’s style of play is entertaining to watch but can be predictable and Conte will have meticulously studied them ahead of this game. If Arsenal are to surprise Chelsea, it will be on a quick counter-attack. Chelsea’s centre-backs probably won’t sit high enough up the pitch for the pace of Arsenal’s attacking three.

Santi Cazorla and Francis Coquelin have been the preferred combination in midfield so far. But new signing Granit Xhaka’s form in recent games has been irresistible, with two superb long-range goals. 

In the absence of Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sánchez has been used as a number nine, with mixed results. Recent recruit Lucas Pérez could be preferred up front given his more natural fit for the role. He also stated his case during his midweek goalscoring exploits against Nottingham Forest. Due to the magnitude of the game, it would be a surprise if Perez started.

A lot of teams have begun to focus on Nacho Monreal’s defensive weakness on the side of the pitch. Arsenal should be aware and double up on both wings to avoid crosses being played Costa.

Chelsea Tactics

Antonio Conte hasn’t experimented with his trusted three-man defence at Chelsea yet. He prefers to field a 4-1-4-1, turning into a 4-2-3-1(wide) in attack, with N’Golo Kante the holding player. When Chelsea need to chase the game, which has happened in a few games already this season, Conte throws another striker up front. Conte loves playing two strikers and changes the formation to 4-2-4. The counter-attack works against Arsenal.

Conte has preferred the stability of Nemanja Matic and Oscar in central midfield so far this season. However, Cesc Fabregas has been keen to get back in the Chelsea starting XI. The Spain international is yet to start in the league this season, but having scored twice in extra time at Leicester, he is hopeful of forcing his way into Conte’s starting XI.

Chelsea’s well drilled defence will be tough to break down. However, Gary Cahill and David Luiz will have to be at their quickest, both physically and mentally. Antonio Conte wasn’t happy with what Chelsea dished up defensively against Liverpool.

Conte surprised many with his exceedingly cautious tactics – ceding territory and ball. Arsenal can be similarly fluid, perhaps without the rampant pace, so we can expect Chelsea to focus on counter attacks.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal prefer to keep possession. If Chelsea don’t sit back and absorb pressure, this game could turn into a very dull stalemate played out in the middle of the park. That means chances will be at a premium at both ends.

With Manchester City five points ahead of both Arsenal and Chelsea, this is an important game even at this stage of the season and will help to answer some of the questions surrounding their title ambitions

Image Courtesy: SkySports, Metro