Arsenal v Chelsea: Battle of the debutant managers

The Gunners' Premier League credentials faces a tough examination when they travel to Stamford Bridge, in search of their first win of the season. The fixture between the North London sides promises to be a mouth-watering affair, with new coaches, Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery at the helm.

The clash is the most looked forward to fixture of the season as it presents the battle of the debutant managers. However, Maurizio Sarri got his campaign off to a flyer as the Blues ran riot 3-0 against minnows Huddersfield in their opening fixture. While Unai Emery's reign at Arsenal got off to a disastrous start as the Gunners were swept aside 2-0 by reigning champions Manchester City.

This season's first London derby holds major significance for the Blues, as it marks Chelsea's first home game of the season and Maurizio Sarri's first game in charge at Stamford Bridge. But, it will be imperative for Chelsea to pick up from where they left off in the last game, as back-to-back wins would provide them a great psychological advantage in their pursuit of a top-four finish.

The Gunners' performance in the last game was reminiscent of their submissive and spineless displays which highlighted the era of former manager Arsene Wenger. However, Unai Emery will need to make sure his side regroup quickly to show some mental strength and character to bounce back from their opening day defeat.

Arsenal's inconsistent form has been compounded with injuries to players like Ashley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal. While, Chelsea, who have no injury concerns, would be hoping for their star man Eden Hazard to feature against the Gunners.

An exciting clash of fresh ideologies is the forecast for Saturday's headline fixture, with both clubs undergoing a major change in identity this summer. Kepa Arzibalaga and Jorginho are most likely to feature, while Mateo Kovavic might be handed his debut. In the absence of a natural right back, Unai Emery might look up to veteran defender  Stephan Lichtsteiner to slot in that position.

Chelsea are termed favorites to come out on top, given Arsenal's struggles to deal with Pep Guardiola's high-pressing system last time out. Unai Emery might witness a similar style of play when they lock horns with Maurizio Sarri's side.

Probable line-ups:

Chelsea: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcos Alonso, David Luiz, Antonio Rudiger, César Azpilicueta, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Willian, Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata.

Arsenal: Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Sokratis, Nacho Monreal, Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.