After winning the first game of the preseason against Club America comfortably, fans expected the Blues to be sharper and win the second game, as well. However, Charlotte FC sent its fans into a frenzy with a late equaliser and it then went on to win the highly anticipated game against Chelsea on penalties. Thomas Tuchel complained about his team’s effort in the final third as his attackers failed to be clinical yet again, and they missed multiple opportunities, which ultimately cost the Blues the game. Even after playing two games, Chelsea looks far from ready for the season. In spite of introducing Raheem Sterling in the second half at the Bank of America Stadium, the Blues failed to be decisive and couldn’t finish the game off. If this continues, Tuchel will be forced to look into the market for a clinical striker who can convert more chances.
However, the defence has been a huge positive. Chelsea looked organized and in control, aside from the two moments which led to goals this preseason. Overall, Ethan Ampadu and Trevoh Chalobah have been the two standout performers. Ampadu and his composure have helped him to pull off both the roles assigned to him. Chalobah’s vocal presence can be felt, he has emerged as a team leader over the two games. Now, the Blues have two more games to work on their shortcomings before they face Frank Lampard’s Everton on the 6th of August.
Chelsea takes on its London rival, Arsenal, in its next game. This match is being dubbed the final of the preseason Florida Cup. The Gunners will come into this game having already picked up form, winning all of their three games by a two-goal margin. Their attack seem to link up well and that has led to them scoring 10 goals in their last three contests. Against such a side, Chelsea cannot afford to be sluggish. Also, with this being the third last game of the preseason, Tuchel will have to conclude doubts over the Blues’ formation for the start of next season.
Match information, preview for Arsenal vs. Chelsea in the Florida Cup final
Date: Saturday, July 23
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (1:00 a.m. GMT)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Venue: Camping World Stadium
TV info: ESPN+ (USA), The 5th Stand App (UK)
Chelsea team news
While Chelsea’s camp is free from any major injuries, there are a few players facing minor injury concerns. Kepa Arrizabalaga had some pain, which made him uncomfortable in his movements. Cesar Azpilicueta took a knock on his knee when he ran into Edouard Mendy in a training accident and he might not be risked this weekend. Ross Barkley felt his hamstring pull, but it was more of a discomfort than a serious injury. Up top, Timo Werner faced similar hamstring problems as Barkley and Tuchel may not risk it at this stage of the preseason. However, fans do have a reason to be exuberant as Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been around for a week since joining the team from Napoli, will likely get his first look in a Chelsea shirt against the Gunners.
Arsenal team news
Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu didn’t make the squad in Arsenal’s victory over Orlando City as they continue to recover from their minor injuries. Goalkeepers Bernd Leno and Runar Alex Runarsson also failed to make the matchday squad. The former is being linked with a move to Fulham. The positive for the Gunners is that Fabio Vieira has joined team training having recovered from his foot injury and he may get playtime as early as this weekend.
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Predicted XIs
Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy, Chalobah, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Gallagher, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz, Sterling
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale, Cedric, Saliba, Gabriel, Tavares; Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
Chelsea form
Chelsea 2-1 Club America
Charlotte (5)1-1(3) Chelsea
Arsenal form
Nurnberg 3-5 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Everton
Orlando City 1-3 Arsenal
Prediction
Even though its technically a friendly and both clubs still find themselves experimenting with their squads, this is going to be the biggest game in their preseason campaign for both clubs. The clubs couldn’t ask for a better challenge than a London Derby itself. This will prove to be a real test, mainly for Chelsea, who has looked rusty thus far.
For those who have failed to impress already, this could be the best and the last chance to wiggle their ways into Tuchel’s plans. The limelight will be on the attackers, as the fans don’t feel confident about them possessing the end product required to challenge for the Premier League title. On the contrary, Arsenal feels much more comfortable halfway through its preseason. Other than a few drawbacks concerning the Gunners’ defence, they look good to go. Their attack has linked up well in the last few games and it looks set to pose challenges for the Chelsea defence. All in all, it does look like Arsenal will clinch the game by the finest of margins.
My Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
What do you see happening in this match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!