Arsenal vs Chelsea: Premier League Preview
Arsenal and Chelsea face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a big London derby. Both teams need a win to solidify their positions in the Premier League table as the season winds down.
Arsenal, second in the league, are 15 points behind Liverpool and have taken just two points from their last three games. Mathematically still in the title race but realistically, they’re out of it. Mikel Arteta’s side will bounce back from the 1-1 draw against Manchester United last weekend and take all three points to stay ahead of the chasing pack.
Chelsea, fifth in the table, are fighting for a top-four finish after an inconsistent season. Enzo Maresca’s side beat Leicester City 1-0 last weekend and temporarily took fourth place before dropping back to fifth after Manchester City won. The Blues will want to improve their away form and avenge last season’s 5-0 thrashing at the Emirates.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has no new injuries after the midweek Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven. Players who were rested that game, including William Saliba and Martin Odegaard, will return to the starting lineup.
Oleksandr Zinchenko might play in midfield again, but Arteta might stick with a more traditional lineup for this big game. Gabriel Martinelli will be a sub as he’s still recovering from his injury.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s injury list includes Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, and Malo Gusto. Reece James is doubtful due to illness but might play if cleared. Wesley Fofana will continue at right-back after returning from injury last week.
Pedro Neto will lead the line as a false nine, Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho will provide width from the flanks. Cole Palmer is a doubt due to illness but an option from the bench if fit.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Fofana, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.
Key Stats
- Arsenal haven’t won in their last three Premier League games.
- Arsenal have scored three or more in their last three home games against Chelsea in all competitions.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions.
- Chelsea haven’t won in their last two visits to the Emirates.
- Declan Rice has scored in back-to-back games for Arsenal and will look to keep the run going.
Player to Watch
Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been Arsenal’s best player this season and is in top form at the right time. He will be key in midfield against Chelsea’s midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. With goals in his last two games, he’ll want to do it again.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction
Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Arsenal’s strong home form and attacking firepower give them an edge heading into this derby. While Chelsea has shown signs of improvement recently, they may struggle to contain Arsenal’s midfield dominance and creativity.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Live Stream
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