Chelsea host Arsenal: Predictions for crucial London derby

Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge as they look to increase their lead. Here are The Pride Of London’s predictions for the London derby.

With multiple teams slipping up during the week, Chelsea are firmly in the Premier League driving seat. This Saturday sees the Blues take on Arsenal in a huge London derby. Which side will come out on top?

Scott Brant: 2-1. Perhaps the match of the season as the Blues look to close the door a little more on the Premier League. A high paced game can be expected and Alexis Sanchez will be the only problem for the Blues. Costa needs a huge performance.

Andre Carlisle: 2-1, Arsenal. Look, N’Golo Kante played like a maniac and a team that averages 17 shots per game were held to just 7 – the dark arts did its job, Diego Costa didn’t do his. So I’m following the same recipe and putting all eyes on Diego. Through injury or suspension, Arsenal will be forced to name a weak midfield against the Premier League’s most harassing duo. With Eden ailing, it’s on Diego to get into dangerous positions and be clinical. He does and is, and Chelsea return the favor 3-0.

Daniel McClue: 2-0. All the cliches here; it’s a statement game, must-win, season-defining. Ok maybe it’s not *that* crucial, but more than anything The Blues will refuse to lose another game to a London rival. Hazard has 45 minutes of brilliance to shoot Chelsea into a 2-0 lead. He’s subbed on the 57th minute to preserve his tender body for future battles. Cahill has a monster game.

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Ben Croft: 2-1. We should have taken all three points at Anfield but a point was a good result in the end. The performance was decent enough and gives me confidence going into this game. Arsenal will be out to rectify their abysmal result against Watford but I think we’ll be too strong for them. Costa with both goals.

Brendan McDonnell: 3-1. Putting it mildly, Piers Morgan is a total punk, but his meltdowns during lackluster Gunners performances are high comedy. I expect that an endless barrage of criticism for a sloppy and completely overwhelmed midfield will make for fun 2nd screen entertainment. We drew 1-1 at Liverpool with most of our front line being underwhelming at best. That changes tomorrow.

Anoop Ramakrishnan: 3-0 (or more). We return the favour to them considering our current form and considering that this is, well, Arsenal. And I’m going for the jackpot here with a claim that Ake will play and score, in addition to the regular suspects.

Rayna Sidhu: 2-1. The Blues’ performance at Anfield was somewhat shaky but promising. Arsenal aren’t as tough an opponent. Costa and Hazard will keep the Gunners’ defence vulnerable. Kante will keep everything flowing. Fabregas with a goal to send Arsenal fans into a booing frenzy. Costa with the other goal. Sanchez with a consolation.

Travis Tyler: 1-0 Chelsea. The 5-1 prediction was a bit too ambitious, and since Arsenal missing their midfield and their manager would be too easy for a blow out, the result will be anything but. Regardless, Sanchez will be subbed off too soon, and Conte will hug him as he leaves, giving the Arsenal talisman a taste of what could be whilst playing mind games with anyone associated with Arsenal.

What do you think? Leave us your score predictions in the comments below!

Here is how we stand. Five points for a correct result, three for the right result.