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Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger resume their bitter rivalry at Wembley Stadium this afternoon as Chelsea and Arsenal meet in the Community Shield.
Jose Mourinho won the Premier League title last season at a canter, finishing eight points in front of second-placed Manchester City and 12 in front of today's opponents.
The Portuguese manager has assembled a very strong squad that will enter next season as favourites to retain their crown.
But after the transfer coup of bringing long-serving Petr Cech to the Emirates from Chelsea, Arsenal are being talked up as real threats to the Blues, with some bookmakers even placing them ahead of Manchester City.
The two teams have been announced and although there are a couple of surprises , both are very strong with the two managers keen to draw first blood in the title race.
Scroll through the gallery to see the combined team:
Show all 11 1 /11Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI GK: Petr Cech This is a choice made for right now, today. Chelsea chose Courtois ahead of Cech because he is 10 years younger, but the big Belgian still has a couple of (very) slight weaknesses in his game - as proved when he was dropped last January - Cech has none.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI RB: Branislav Ivanovic The best right-back in the Premier League last season, playing every minute of the campaign. A strong presence in both boxes, the Serbian is ahead of the promising Bellerin, despite the young Spaniard's potential.
Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI CB: Laurent Koscielny Gary Cahill finished last season strongly after a mid-term wobble but the England man still clearly needs the calming presence of Terry to be at his best. Koscielny's pace and recovery instincts allow Arsenal to play high up the pitch.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI CB: John Terry The best defender in the country.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI LB: Cesar Azpilicueta Despite his being right-footed, the Spaniard makes a very good case for being the best left-back in the division. Nacho Monreal is hugely underrated, but Azpilicueta is rarely troubled.
Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI CM: Nemanja Matic Francis Coquelin transformed Arsenal's season but he does not have the same pedigree as the powerful Matic, who is a brilliant reader of the game, physically powerful and excellent on the ball.
Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI CM: Cesc Fabregas The Spanish maestro slowed down in the second half of last season but Chelsea are confident he will be able to maintain his high level for a full campaign after a summer of rest. Santi Cazorla is just a shade behind his national compatriot.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI CM: Mesut Ozil Arsenal's best or worst player, depending on who you ask. He possesses vision and skill that is rarely matched in the Premier League - he must be more consistent in big matches and score more but he is a wonderfully talented player.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI RW: Aaron Ramsey This spot would be reserved for Alexis Sanchez but the Chilean will not return after his exploits during the Copa America. Ramsey wants to move back into central midfield but his athleticism allows him to be equally effective on the wing.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI LW: Eden Hazard Despite the form of Costa and Fabregas, the Belgian is still the main Chelsea most rely on in the biggest matches. Easily in the top three players in the Premier League, if not the best.
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Arsenal vs Chelsea combined XI ST: Loic Remy With Diego Costa out with another hamstring injury Loic Remy is given another chance. The Frenchman impressed when called upon for the Blues but he too has injury problems of his own. Theo Walcott has the tools to be a very good striker but has started just 14 Premier League games in two seasons.
EPA
Team: Cech; Ivanovic, Koscielny, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas, Ozil, Ramsey, Hazard, Remy.
FINAL COUNT: Arsenal 4 Chelsea 7
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