Chelsea are without Diego Costa for this afternoon’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal at Wembley.
The striker has been ruled out due to “discomfort in his hamstring”, Jose Mourinho has confirmed.
Loic Remy starts up front in the absence of Costa, with new signing Radamel Falcao only on the bench.
The rest of the Blues lineup has a familiar look to it, although Ramires is preferred to Oscar in the attacking-midfield three. Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas sits alongside Nemanja Matic.
Team v Arsenal: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Remy. #CFC #CommunityShield
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 2, 2015
Chelsea subs: Begovic, Zouma, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado, Moses, Falcao. #CFC #CommunityShield — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 2, 2015
Arsenal give a competitive debut to legendary Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in goal. The 33-year-old, a four-time Premier League with the Blues, made a controversial transfer across London in June.
Theo Walcott is rewarded for his prolific finish to last campaign and promising pre-season form by being given the nod over Olivier Giroud to play through the middle of the Gunners’ attack.
The FA Cup holders are missing Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck due to fitness concerns. Jack Wilshere is also not in the squad, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting alongside the midfield regulars.
The @Arsenal team to take on Chelsea #AFCvCFC pic.twitter.com/ilht9FmtcW
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 2, 2015
SEE MORE:
Community Shield preview: Arsenal & Chelsea combined XI
Chelsea squad numbers: Radamel Falcao to take No.9, Juan Cuadrado changed
Premier League predictions: 10 BOLD PREDICTIONS for 2015-16 campaign
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