Chelsea will making the trip to the Emirates to face off against rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, as the two top Premier League giants face off in yet another edition of the London derby. Former Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho has been having the better of Arsene Wenger in these clashes over the years and now it will be the turn of new boss Antonio Conte to have a taste of this high intensity clash as well.
The west London outfit make the trip north, as they look to continue their winning form, after eliminating Leicester City from the League Cup in the third round.
Conte knows that it will be a big game for him and his team and he will want his players to rise to the occasion on the night.
Some key players will be missing with injury and the boss spoke about his side and what he expects in his pre-match presser on Friday.
About skipper John Terry’s fitness he stated, “Terry hasn’t recovered from his injury yet and won’t be available tomorrow.”
“For sure it’s a big game between two big rivals. It’s important to play a good game, we know we face a good team.”
“We are working to try to improve and reach a high level. It’s normal when you start work at a new team you need time.”
“When you have these big games it’s not necessary to push any player.”
When asked to comment on his opposite number, Arsene Wenger, the former Italy manager decided to say that, “It’s fantastic is someone is able to stay at one club for 20 years.”
Speaking about former Arsenal man, Cesc Fabregas and the possibility of him starting, he said, “For Cesc this is a special game for him, he’s playing very well for Chelsea and he’s very focused and concentrated.”
“There is the possibility that he can start tomorrow but I still have one more day to decide my line-up.”
“We must work a lot on the defensive aspect because if you want a great championship you mustn’t concede so many goals.”
On Zouma, “I hope to see Kurt Zouma training next week, he’s in good shape.”
Chelsea have so far done a decent job with 10 points from five games and are placed in the fifth position in the points table. If things go right for them, they might climb up the table in the upcoming days and could become serious title contenders under Conte.
