The stakes are high as Arsenal host Chelsea live in what promises to be a heated London derby at the Emirates, and the lineup for each side is confirmed.
Both teams are battling for European spots, and with just ten games left in the season, every point is crucial.
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The Form Guide: Arsenal’s Edge Over Chelsea
Arsenal have dominated this fixture recently, unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Chelsea. The last time the Blues beat the Gunners in a league match? 2021. Since then, it’s been all Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side growing stronger each season.
Chelsea’s season started with title-chasing ambitions, but reality hit hard. They’ve struggled for consistency, especially away from home, with six consecutive winless away games in the league. Their last three road trips? All losses. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing home defeat to West Ham.
Confirmed Lineups
Arsenal
Starting XI: Raya, Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Gabriel, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Martinelli, Merino, Trossard.
Subs: Neto, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Nwaneri
Chelsea
Starting XI: Sanchez, Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, James (c), Caicedo, Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Sancho, Nkunku
Subs: Bettinelli, Jorgensen, Tosin, Chalobah, Acheampong, Gusto, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall, George
Key Players: Who Will Decide the Match?
- Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) – The captain has been Chelsea’s nightmare, with six goal involvements in previous clashes. Expect him to be at the heart of Arsenal’s attack.
- Declan Rice (Arsenal) – His midfield battle against Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo could be the deciding factor.
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – Chelsea’s most creative force, tasked with unlocking Arsenal’s defense.
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea) – Surprisingly, he’s been on a scoring streak. Will he keep it up?
Tactical Breakdown: Arsenal’s Press vs. Chelsea’s Possession
Maresca has Chelsea playing possession-heavy football, averaging 58% of the ball this season. They like to build with a back three and push a full-back forward – usually Cucurella – to overload the attack. But this tactic comes with risk. Chelsea have conceded 12 goals from individual errors, the second-highest in the league.
Arsenal’s game plan will revolve around high pressing. With Chelsea prone to mistakes under pressure, expect Arteta’s men to press aggressively, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Without Nicolas Jackson’s pace, Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat has diminished, making them more predictable.
Injury Concerns: Who’s Missing?
- Arsenal: Bukayo Saka remains sidelined, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all ruled out.
- Chelsea: Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Marc Guiu are unavailable. Mykhaylo Mudryk is also out due to a provisional doping ban.
Prediction: Arsenal to Edge a Tight Affair
On form, history, and home advantage, Arsenal have the upper hand. Chelsea’s defensive frailties and away struggles could prove costly, especially if Arsenal’s midfield dictates play.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Expect Chelsea to have spells of possession, but Arsenal’s cutting edge and superior pressing will be the difference. Ødegaard to pull the strings, Rice to boss the midfield, and Trossard to sneak in a winner.
This derby always delivers drama – let’s see if Arsenal can keep their dominance over their London rivals intact.
