That smell in the air? It is the new Premier League season.
But first, the Community Shield – the traditional curtain raiser for the English football. And it is Arsenal vs Chelsea this year.
Both teams will have Laurent Koscielny and Victor Moses available for the game despite picking up red cards at the end of last season, because the FA does not view the game as a friendly.
It is anything but.
Speaking ahead of the fixture at Wembley, Blues boss Antonio Conte, said at his press conference: “It was a pity to lose the game, to lose the FA Cup final against Arsenal after a really great season for us.
“Now there is another game. We know very well Arsenal is a strong team.
“We’re waiting a game very difficult for us and want to try to start the season with a win. The same [for] Arsenal. I want to see a good game, for the players, for the people.”
Sounds as if revenge is on the menu.
The two clubs met three times last season, with Arsenal winning twice. A lot of pundits point to the 3-0 hammering Chelsea got at the Emirates in September, as the turning point of the Blues’ season. Conte switched to 3-4-3 immediately after that and went on to win the title by seven points.
However, Arsene Wenger himself switched up his formation to a three-man defence, as the Gunners season unravelled. It proved to be a masterstroke, as they finished the campaign strongly, eventually beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
They go at each again this Sunday. And it will surely not be a friendly.
Arsenal and Chelsea will smell blood.
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