Arsenal vs Chelsea: 4 things we’d like to see

Pre-season suddenly doesn’t feel like a series of friendly matches anymore. Whenever Chelsea come up on the fixture list there is no love lost. Arsenal hosting them at the Emirates just adds fuel to the fire.

Up until this point pre-season has been an enjoyable period for the club. There have been disruptions and less than favourable results but the overriding consensus is that the team is getting fitter and stronger. Long may that continue on Sunday.

With only three signings in the bag for Mikel Arteta the transfer window remains as important as ever with the clock ticking down to Premier League opening day. The window slams shut on August 31 so time is on the Gunners’ side, but a few more before that date would go down a treat.

Chelsea, meanwhile, find themselves in a comfortable position of being Champions League winners and strong in multiple departments. When you’ve got that trophy in the cabinet then you’re clearly not in need of major surgery.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 4 things we’d like to see in Sunday’s pre-season clash with the Blues at the Emirates Stadium

Beyond additions, Arsenal are also working hard on player sales with the desired amount nowhere near being reached.

But we all put that aside for now. There is the small matter of a London derby to come on home soil with the biggest crowd the Emirates will have seen for a painfully long time.

Those in attendance, while aware it is only pre-season, are expected to see the closest resemblance to what Arsenal will look like for the coming campaign, at least in terms of style and approach.

While changes in personnel will occur until the next time the side faces Chelsea three weeks later, how the team performs against strong opposition will provide a glimpse into what will be a huge season in the club’s future to determine whether Arsenal can claw themselves back into European contention.

Still, it’s only pre-season, right? Here’s what to look out for.

1. Arteta Fielding a Strong Side

These fixtures are a time where the players need to build up their fitness and avoid overexertion, as late injury scares just ahead of the Premier League campaign can be hugely damaging.

For that reason most of the squad get 45 minute outings here and there, which we hope can change on Sunday.

Arteta will want to appease the supporters and a strong side lining up from the off will not only provide him the best chance of victory but also give him an indication of how far the team have come during pre-season.

There will be wholesale changes throughout the match, of course, but being on home soil and wanting to get the home supporters up off their feet nice and early will be a vital element in the bid for a win.

Ideally, a near full strength outfit will get around 60 minutes before the changes creep in, that way seeing how the team can react as crucial stages of the match while equally protecting them.

Above all though, it’d be nice to win. Losing to Chelsea is never, ever anything other than excruciating even if there is mostly only pride riding on this one.