Chelsea vs Arsenal: London Derby Match Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction
Chelsea host London rivals Arsenal at the Stamford Bridge in a highly contested Premier League match this Saturday.
The Blues had a difficult start to the season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, as they only earned five points in the first six games. However, they have won their last two games against Fulham 2-0 and Burnley 4-1, away from home.
Former Man City winger Raheem Sterling starred for the Blues as he contributed in all four goals against Burnley. It has been a long time since Chelsea last defeated Mikel Arteta’s side at the Bridge.
The last time Chelsea defeated Arsenal at home in the league was back in August 2018. Pedro, Alvaro Morata, and Marcos Alonso scored for the Blues in their 3-2 win over Arsenal.
As for Arsenal, they are one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season, recording six wins and two draws to start their 2023/24 campaign.
Arsenal have won their last two games in the league, recording clean sheets against Bournemouth 4-0 and Manchester City 1-0. Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner for Arsenal against Manchester City in the 86th minute.
Mikel Arteta’s side will look to preserve their unbeaten record against the Blues at the Stamford Bridge. The Gunners have won their last three matches at the Bridge, dating back to 2021.
Chelsea team news
Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Armando Broja, Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia will miss the derby. Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah have returned to training with the squad.
Nevertheless, the big boost for Pochettino’s side will be Reece James, who, is expected to start this game. Malo Gusto will also be back from his suspension. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo are all expected to start on Saturday.
Raheem Sterling will start against the Gunners, as he has eight goals against them in 22 appearances.
Arsenal team news
Bukayo Saka, Jurien Timber and Leandro Trossard are all expected to be out of this fixture. Furthermore, William Saliba, who apparently had some discomfort after the win against City, is ready to play against the Blues.
Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey are back to full fitness, which is a big boost for Mikel Arteta’s side. After a good display as a substitute against City, Kai Havertz can also start against his former team. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will start in midfield for the Gunners.
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-3-3): Sanchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Thiago Silva, Reece James; Fernandez, Gallagher, Caicedo; Sterling, Jackson, Palmer
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Havertz, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Nketiah, Jesus
Prediction
Chelsea 0-3 Arsenal
Chelsea have won their last two games in the league and are slowly but surely getting back in form. If Pochettino and his players can get a win against the Gunners, it will be a big boost for the reminder of the season.
However, Arsenal are not looking to back off this season, they have also now managed to beat Manchester City and are hungry for more.
So, a one-sided affair is expected in this game as the Blues are still way behind Arsenal’s level.
