Cahill wants to send message



The Premier League champions face the FA Cup winners in the season curtain-raiser, a week before the start of the season proper.

England defender Cahill played down the significance of the result at Wembley on the campaign in its entirety, but nevertheless wants a victory.

"It won't have an impact on the season as a whole, but it's a marker," Cahill said.

"Every time you take to the field you want to win the game

It's a big game, against a local rival and good opposition

It will be a good test for us."

Arsenal are one of the sides - along with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool - expected to challenge the Blues for the title.

The Gunners bolstered their squad by signing goalkeeper Petr Cech after 11 trophy-laden years at Chelsea in a move sanctioned by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Asked about facing Cech, Cahill added: "It will be strange.

"He was part of the fixtures and fittings at Chelsea, for many, many years.

"Top goalkeeper, great guy, but it's down to business and I'm sure he'll feel the same way.

"Everyone's professional and everyone will want to do the job and get the right result for their team."

Cahill knows how difficult it will be for the Blues to successfully retain the title they won last term.

He added: "A lot of teams have strengthened again this year

The league is as competitive as it's ever been

It's going to be very tough.

"People want to beat the champions

We were in the same situation

We're going to have that this year.

"We did it last year

We want to try to do it again this year."

Source : PA

Source: PA