Chelsea and Arsenal’s London rivalry resumes at Stamford Bridge this Sunday, with both teams eager to make a statement. Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are coming off an 8-0 Europa Conference League win over FC Noah, but they face a tougher challenge against Arsenal, who have a strong recent record against the Blues. Maresca aims to solidify his credentials with a significant league victory, while Arsenal, seeking redemption after a string of recent struggles, look to close the gap in the title race.
Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Cole Palmer’s fitness is the major concern for Chelsea, as he’s missed training due to a knee issue from the previous game against Manchester United. Maresca is hopeful Palmer can prove fit to play. Jadon Sancho, recovering from illness, is also uncertain, and Omari Kellyman remains out with an injury.
Chelsea are likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
- Defense: Malo Gusto on the right, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill at center-back, and Reece James on the left to counter Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka
- Midfield: Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in a double pivot
- Attack: Palmer as the playmaker if fit, with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto on the wings, and Nicolas Jackson leading the attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Arsenal
Declan Rice’s availability is in question due to a toe injury, but Arteta has not ruled him out, and he could play if fit. Arsenal’s injury list has been shrinking, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Riccardo Calafiori the main absentees. Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz both picked up knocks against Inter, making them doubts for the Chelsea match, but Martin Odegaard returned for a cameo and could start.
Arsenal may line up in a 4-3-3:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defense: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jurrien Timber
- Midfield: If fit, Declan Rice joins Thomas Partey and potentially Odegaard
- Attack: Bukayo Saka on the right, Havertz if fit through the middle, and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Key Stats
- Chelsea are winless against Arsenal in their last five Premier League home games.
- Arsenal have won five of their last six meetings with Chelsea.
- Arsenal have managed at least two goals in five of their last six encounters with Chelsea.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four Premier League home games.
Player to Watch: Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard’s creative influence has been missed in his absence, and his return could provide Arsenal with the midfield dynamism they need to control the game. Odegaard’s vision and passing range could open up Chelsea’s defense, especially in the final third.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal’s recent dominance over Chelsea and their determination to turn their season around make them slight favorites. With Odegaard’s return and Chelsea’s inconsistency, Arsenal are poised to secure three points with a decisive performance.
How to Watch Chelsea vs Arsenal
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