1) Fabregas – Flamini
Cesc Fabregas will be the centre of attention on Sunday as he returns to his former club, and his role will be vital tactically too. Flamini, after being hailed as the defensive midfielder Arsenal had been desperate for since his departure, has since displayed the rashness and tactical naïveté that lead to him being a figure of fun in Serie A.
Fabregas has been what Chelsea lacked last season, able to play deep alongside Matic but still initiate attacks quickly with long passes and support the forward players with late runs. Flamini must pressure the Spaniard the moment he gets the ball and prevent him releasing Costa on the counter.