Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will have been looking for weaknesses in the Arsenal side, and should have come to the conclusion that Riccardo Calafiori is a player they can target.
Alonso is expected to set his Blues side up in the same 3-4-2-1 formation which they have used for the first two Premier League games of the season.
Sunday’s game brings the first opportunity for Chelsea to be tested against one of the league’s best, and see if they have closed the gap on a side they have only beaten once since 2019.
The one weakness Arsenal have which Xabi Alonso has to target
Tactically, the Blues are expected to try and get joy on the counter attack, particularly from the wide areas. This was on show for both Pedro Neto and Joao Pedro’s goals against Brighton.
Calafiori will be in the opposite full-back position for Arsenal, and while he will try and influence the play in attack, this could leave him suspect to being caught out.
Cole Palmer will be in attack for the Blues down that side, and looks back to his best this season with two goals and an assist already to his name.
Aston Villa FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
There are very few weaknesses in the Arsenal side, however the attacking threat of Calafiori could turn out to be a positive for Chelsea.
It will be either Malo Gusto or Neto supporting Palmer down the right, with both having attacking skills that could prove dangerous for the Blues.
Chelsea have settled for not having much possession in their first two games this season, and this pattern is expected to continue on Sunday.
However, they have managed seven goals in those two games and looked very strong on the counter attack.
They may well be afforded some extra space with Calafiori breaking forwards, and this should be an area Alonso is looking to target on Sunday.