No fewer than four Nigerian players are lieky to be on parade for both sides as Arsene Wenger seeks to beat a Jose Mourinho-tutored side for the first time in 14 meets.
Arsenal has been in fine form this summer, and has already won two pre-season tournaments including the Emirates Cup. Interestingly, Nigeria-born striker, Chuba Akpom, who shone like a million stars throughout Arsenal’s pre-season games is almost certain to get Wenger’s nod to start today’s game while his compatriot, Alex Iwobi, nephew of former Nigeria’s captain, Austin Okocha, may also get a look in after showing some flashes during the pre-season.
On the side of Chelsea, Mourinho would further test Victor Moses’ readiness for a first team shirt ahead of the new season after the Nigeria international’s impressive showing during the team’s mixed pre-season in the United States. Moses had been on loan to Liverpool and Stoke City in the last two seasons and is determined to play himself into Chelsea’s first team this season.
Also expected to be on parade today is Mikel; whose future at Stamford Bridge has been a subject of discourse lately. Today’s game provides him another opportunity to prove to Mourinho that he still has a lot to offer.
Neither side has added significantly to its squad over the summer – though goalkeeper Petr Cech will make his Arsenal debut against his old side while Chelsea could hand a start to new signing, Radamel Falcao.
Falcao, 29, spent last season with Manchester United but endured a poor campaign, scoring just four goals in 29 games.
Although Mourinho had confirmed that striker Diego Costa (hamstring) and defender Gary Cahill (nose) are both fit after pre-season injury concerns, he played down his rivalry with Wenger, but encapsulated his legendary mind-game by claiming that Arsenal had spent more money than Chelsea over the last few years and could mount a serious title challenge this season.
He said: “It doesn’t matter about Arsenal, it doesn’t matter about the manager.
“I never made it an explosion of happiness or special pride in my victories over Arsenal. I do not make a drama if one day we lose.”
In return Wenger light-heartedly suggested the media favour Mourinho: “I’ll leave your love story with him to continue without interfering.
When challenged that Mourinho believes it is Arsenal who receive preferential treatment, Wenger replied: “So it’s all about love.”
Although Arsenal had not scored against Chelsea in over eight hours of play, it won last season’s Community Shield – beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley.
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