Match Preview: London Derby awaits at the Emirates as Chelsea aim to take grip on top four

The headline fixture of the Premier League weekend takes place in North London, where second-placed Arsenal host a Chelsea side sitting inside the top four.

Both teams enter this contest with contrasting league form, making this a crucial encounter in their respective battles for Champions League qualification and a strong league finish.

Arsenal’s Form & Motivation

Despite their dominant 9-3 aggregate victory over PSV in the UEFA Champions League last 16, Arsenal have struggled domestically, going three Premier League games without a win (D2, L1).

Mikel Arteta’s men have already suffered a four-match winless league run once this season, and coincidentally, the fourth game in that streak was a 1-1 draw at Chelsea in October’s reverse fixture.

With a huge quarter-final tie against Real Madrid looming in April, the Gunners will want to regain momentum in the league.

Facing Chelsea could be the perfect opportunity, as they are unbeaten in their last six Premier League H2Hs (W4, D2).

A victory here would allow them to enter the international break on a high and possibly extend their lead in second place.

Chelsea’s Resurgence & Away Struggles

Chelsea travel to the Emirates in high spirits, having won four consecutive matches across all competitions.

Their 1-0 victory over Copenhagen in midweek secured a UEFA Conference League quarter-final spot against Legia Warsaw, but their focus now shifts back to the league, where their top-four status remains fragile.

The Blues currently sit two points inside the top four, but with just three points separating them from seventh place, the race remains incredibly tight.

However, their away form is concerning, as they are winless in their last six away league games (D2, L4), losing the last three in a row.

The last time Chelsea lost four consecutive Premier League away games was in December 2023, and they will be desperate to avoid history repeating itself.

Key Battles & Tactical Approach

Arsenal’s attack vs Chelsea’s inconsistent defense: The Gunners have been dominant at home but need to rediscover their scoring touch after a dip in form. Chelsea, on the other hand, have struggled defensively on the road.
Midfield control: Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard will look to dictate play against Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo.
Cucurella’s goal threat: Arsenal must be wary of Marc Cucurella, who has surprisingly scored in each of Chelsea’s last two league games.

Players to Watch

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal): The teenager could make history as the first under-18 player to score in a London derby if he finds the net.
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): The Spanish defender has scored five goals this season, none of which have come before the 40th minute—highlighting his late impact in games.

Potential Lineups:

Arsenal: 4-3-3 – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli.

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Nkunku

Key Stats

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Chelsea (W4, D2).
Chelsea are winless in their last six Premier League away matches (D2, L4), losing their last three in a row.
The last time Chelsea lost four consecutive away league games was in December 2023.
Chelsea have won four consecutive matches across all competitions.

Where to watch :

United Kingdom: sky sports

United States: Peacock

Canada: Fubo TV

India: Star Sports Select HD1

Australia: Optus Sport.

Nigeria: SuperSports.

Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea