Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two bitter local rivals who are leading the chase at the top of the Premier League table, Chelsea will welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, putting in a famous Champions League performance earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Barcelona, Chelsea have only continued to shine on either side of November’s international break. Marking their return from November’s international break with a 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Burnley, Enzo Maresca has seen his squad win all of their previous three appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 8-0. Getting November underway with a stellar 1-0 win away at historic rivals Tottenham, Chelsea will also be excited by their clinical displays in the final third. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in silver medal position, Maresca’s side are now widely regarded as Arsenal’s main title threat this season.
Chelsea Team News
Suffering an injury setback last week after sustaining a fractured toe during an accident at home, Chelsea will once again be without attacking talisman Cole Palmer here. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, England international Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee issue.
Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign and bagging a third Champions League strike against Barcelona earlier in the week, 18-year-old sensation Estevao should keep his spot from the start. Left as an unused substitute on Tuesday, summer recruit Joao Pedro could be handed a full recall.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, collecting their own iconic Champions League scalp earlier the week as they secured a 3-1 victory at home against Bayern Munich, Arsenal are in the midst of what has become a real fairytale. Firing on all cylinders and rightfully receiving a fearsome reputation from across the continent, Mikel Arteta’s men open this weekend’s fixtures holding a six-point buffer at the top of the table. Now pencilled in as a runaway contender to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2004, Arsenal find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. With their sights set on completing a famous silverware sweep this season, Arteta’s men will also be excited by a dominant record against Sunday’s hosts. Including a 1-0 victory when they last met Chelsea back on March 16th, the Gunners have also not suffered a single Premier League defeat against their historic local rivals since August 2021.
Arsenal Team News
Picking up a muscle injury while away with Brazil during November’s international break, Arsenal will once again be without defensive talisman Gabriel Magalhaes this weekend. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Germany international Kai Havertz remains on the sidelines with a knee issue.
Coming off the bench and bagging a maiden Champions League strike, ex-Chelsea star Noni Madueke could be handed a full recall on his return to Stamford Bridge. Despite bagging just a single Premier League goal this season, Mikel Merino could once again be deployed in a false nine role.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Arsenal last met for a Premier League showdown back on Mach 16th, the Gunners collected a 1-0 victory in north London.
- Arsenal have not suffered a single Premier League defeat against Chelsea since back in August 2021.
- The Gunners are unbeaten in all of their last 13 appearances across all competitions (11 wins, one draw).
- Chelsea have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous 11 appearances across all competitions.
- The Blues have seen their last five matchups at Stamford Bridge have produced 18 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Two high-flying squad who are leading the chase at the top of the Premier League table, all eyes will certainly fall on Stamford Bridge this weekend. Watching both Chelsea and Arsenal collect their own heavyweight European scalps earlier in the week, neutrals will be hoping for another action-packed showdown here. With both sides continuing to impress with their free-scoring performances in the final third, we are hoping that chances could come thick and fast from west London on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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