Chelsea vs Arsenal: Premier League Preview, Team News, Prediction & More
Chelsea are back at the Bridge to face arch-London rivals and title hopefuls Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
This is always a big game, but Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge is even bigger as Chelsea and Arsenal are level on points.
With both managers potentially sweating on the fitness of some big names, there are some key decisions to make for both Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta. Will Palmer, Rice, and Ødegaard make it on time? Here is the Chelsea vs Arsenal preview!
Is Arsenal’s Premier League Title Push Faltering?
The Gunners have been underwhelming in the last few weeks. Ten games in, and some might say their hopes of ending a long wait for a league title might already be endangered. Last weekend, the North Londoners looked lacklustre in front of goal as they were defeated at St James’ Park by Newcastle United. This sees them only pick up seven points in the last ten games, which has Arsenal trailing the leaders Liverpool by seven points. In addition, Arsenal were dealt a European blow midweek at the San Siro with a 1-0 loss to Italian champions Inter Milan.
Although they will be looking to bounce back, things do not get easier for the Gunners as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side who are currently stating a case to be in the mix for a coveted Champions League spot by the end of the season.
Blues Looking To Make a Statement
At the start of the season, the expectation of the Chelsea fans would’ve been below where they sit at the moment. No one would’ve visualised them being ahead of Arsenal on goal difference while picking up some impressive results along the way.
Since the beginning of April this year, the Blues have only lost three league games, all against the top three teams from the previous season: a 5-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates during a crucial title run for the home team, a 2-0 loss to City at home in this season’s opener, and most recently, a close 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last month.
The South Londoners have undoubtedly been on an upward trajectory with Enzo Maresca at the helm. While being the youngest team in the league, the Blues have shown a level of maturity, especially in the final third, as they’ve been free-scoring at times in all competitions. On the other hand, there remain doubts about the defence, as they’ve been struggling to keep clean sheets of late with some preventable mistakes, particularly from Robert Sanchez on goal.
Despite having another impressive European win midweek with their so-called ‘B team’, will the SW6 side’s Premier League 11 be able to find a better balance between their attack and defence in order to cause Arsenal problems?
Head to Head
Arsenal have enjoyed their clashes with Chelsea in recent history. The Gunners are unbeaten in the last five against their London rivals. In this fixture at the Bridge last year, Chelsea conceded a two-goal lead in the second half at the hands of former Chelsea academy player Declan Rice, along with a back-post finish from Leonardo Trossard, which finally restored parity.
Will Chelsea go a step further when hosting their rivals this season, or will Arsenal restore faith in their title hopes?
Team News
With only a few minor fitness issues, Chelsea’s team is generally healthy, which is encouraging for Enzo Maresca. Although there was uncertainty if he would have Cole Palmer to rely on for this crucial home league game, Maresca has said, “He’s better; he’s getting better.”. This seems to be the optimism that the Blues faithful have been hoping for.
For the visitors, it’s not looking as optimistic for the return of their stars. Arteta confirmed on Friday that Declan Rice is yet to train before the game, stating he is not sure if he will be ready. Also, when Arteta was questioned about Ødegaard’s fitness to start, he said, “Everyone who is in the squad will be fit to play, and then we will decide if it’s too early for him to start.”
Arteta went on to say Kai Havertz has a nasty cut from the Inter clash midweek, as well as saying Mikel Merino hasn’t been feeling great in the previous days.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction
Chelsea were impressive against both Manchester City and Liverpool despite defeats in those games. They would’ve left last weekend’s draw at Old Trafford, the more disappointed out of the two sides though. Maresca seemed optimistic in Friday’s press conference, stating:
“Hopefully we can win on Sunday; we can win that kind of game, but also, in the Premier League, it’s important, and it’s difficult to win against any team.”
The Blues will be looking to finally get the proper statement result that the fans have been waiting for.
For the visitors, they’ll be looking to return to winning ways. Arteta spoke after the Gunners defeat in Milan, saying that:
“If we play the way we play, we’ll have a big chance to win against Chelsea.”
Although Arsenal have struggled of late, they can’t be discounted as they’ll be looking to bounce back and make a statement of their own.
So the prediction for this game is: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal. If you are looking for even more predictions, check out our weekly competition currently going on!
About The Author
