Match Preview: Key stakes London derby as Chelsea face off against Arsenal

Enzo Maresca’s men are flying high, sitting ahead of the Gunners on goal difference.

Chelsea’s strong start under Maresca has seen them lose just once in their last nine Premier League games (W5, D3), with that lone defeat coming against top-of-the-table Liverpool.

The Blues are eager to secure their first head-to-head win over Arsenal since August 2021 (D1, L4), and they head into this match off the back of a dominant 8-0 midweek victory over Noah in the UEFA Conference League.

Maresca has injected attacking flair into Chelsea’s play, and they’ve been especially sharp at Stamford Bridge, averaging two goals per game across their last four home league matches (W2, D2).

However, their attacking fluidity could hinge on the fitness of Cole Palmer, who picked up a knock in last week’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

If Palmer is fit to start, Chelsea will be confident of extending their unbeaten run.

Arsenal’s recent struggles

For Arsenal, things haven’t been as rosy.

The Gunners are going through a rough patch, having suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats against Newcastle in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now winless in their last three league matches (D1, L2), their longest such streak this calendar year, leaving them outside the top four and seven points adrift of Liverpool.

Arsenal haven’t won on the road in the Premier League since mid-September (D1, L2), but they’ll take heart from their recent dominance at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five visits (W3, D2) and have won as many league games in their last four trips to Chelsea as they did in the previous 20 combined.

The title is all but over for Arsenal if they lose.

Key Battles

Chelsea: Moisés Caicedo

The Ecuadorian midfielder has proven his worth in big games this season, scoring a stunning long-range goal against Manchester United and assisting against Liverpool.

He’ll be key to controlling the midfield against Arsenal’s dynamic attack.

Arsenal: Ben White

White has been a consistent performer for the Gunners, contributing an assist against Liverpool earlier this season and scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Chelsea last April.

His presence in both defence and attack will be crucial as Arsenal aim to end their winless run.

Potential Lineups

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Arsenal: 4-3-3 – Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

Where to watch: 

United Kingdom: Sky Sports

United States:  NBC.com

Canada: Canada Fubo Sports Network

India: Hotstar, JioTVStar

Australia: Optus Sport.

Nigeria: SuperSports.

Conclusion

With both sides looking to return to winning ways, this London derby promises to be a high-stakes clash.

Chelsea’s recent form and home advantage give them the slight edge, but Arsenal’s strong record at Stamford Bridge could make this a close contest.

Expect a hard-fought match with both teams eager to assert themselves.