First real test of Chelsea’s title credentials

Arsenal and Chelsea meet at the Emirates Stadium today in what should be the biggest test of the new Premier League season so far.

Yes, it is far too early to draw any major conclusions. We are only two games into the season.

But facing the defending champions at their own ground should give us our first real clue as to whether Chelsea can genuinely challenge for the title this season.

Both sides would have been disappointed not to add one more player to their squads before the transfer window closed.

Arsenal would have liked to bring in another winger, while Chelsea wanted to add another midfielder following Enzo Fernandez’s deadline day move to Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s defending champions are yet to concede in the Premier League this season, following victories over Coventry City and Aston Villa.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have scored 7 and already conceded 5 league goals.

Their latest outing was a wild 4-3 victory over Brighton at the Bridge with only 26% possession of the ball, where Xabi Alonso’s side showed both why they can be frightening going forward and why there are still questions about them defensively.

That makes Sunday’s game a fascinating battle between arguably Arsenal’s biggest strength and Chelsea’s biggest weapon.

Cole Palmer will again be the obvious danger man. He is one Premier League goal away from reaching 50 for Chelsea and could achieve the landmark in only his 99th appearance for the club.

Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are in perfect sync with Cole Palmer in that exciting front 3.

William Saliba remains out with a back injury, while Jurrien Timber is unlikely to be ready.

Cristhian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes missed training on Thursday, although Declan Rice has returned to the training pitch after causing concern during the win over Villa.

Chelsea’s biggest concern is Moises Caicedo.
The midfielder returned from injury against Brighton only to come off again after experiencing pain.

His fitness is particularly important following Enzo Fernandez’s £125 million move to Manchester City and Chelsea’s failure to complete a deadline day deal for Lamine Camara.

Chelsea mostly will play Lavia and Reece James in double pivot at Emirates.