Arsenal vs. Chelsea: Head-to-head, form and all the rest you need to know

Chelsea take on Arsenal for the first time this season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s the minimum you need to know to be ready for the game.

The last time the two clubs met was in Baku for the Europa League final last May. Chelsea won that game 4-1 and, since then, both clubs have hired new managers. Unai Emery and Maurizio Sarri have gone and former players for their respective clubs, Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard, have been seamlessly slotted into position.

1. Head to head: If you go back far enough, Arsenal looks good

The two London rivals have faced each other 198 times prior today’s game at the Emirates. Over that long scope, Chelsea have won 64, lost 77 and drawn 57.

The Blues last won at the Emirates on 24 January 2016, when Diego Costa scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory. Guus Hiddink was in charge of the Blues and only Cesar Azpilicueta, Kurt Zouma and Willian remain from that starting XI.

2. Notable game: Champions League third-place playoff

On 10 May 2009, Chelsea traveled to the Emirates just four days after Tom Henning Ovrebo and Barcelona dumped the Blues out of the Champions League in controversial style. It was dubbed the Champions League third place play-off following Arsenal’s semifinal defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

For not the first time in this article or the last time in his career, Guus Hiddink manned the touchline for Chelsea.

Chelsea took out their European blues on the Gunners, effectively securing third spot in Europe’s top cup competition. Goals from Alex, Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, and a Kolo Toure own-goal secured a 4-1 victory. Niklas Bendtner replied for the Gunners.

3. Current form: At least this game is away

Both teams are suffering mixed form coming into the game. The good news for Chelsea is their away form is much better than when they play at Stamford Bridge. At Tottenham they ruled supreme, at home to Southampton on Boxing Day they stunk the place out.

Chelsea’s last six Premier League games: LWLLWL

Mikel Arteta has come in intent on securing Arsenal’s defence. That may not bode well for Chelsea as they’ve struggled to breakdown stubborn defences in recent games. Going forward Arsenal, like Chelsea, have struggled for goals.

Arsenal’s last six Premier League games: DLWLDD

4. Top Scorers

Tammy Abraham, of course, tops Chelsea’s scorers with 11 goals. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for Arsenal, leads Tambraham by one goal. Abraham scores a goal every 127 minutes played and Aubameyang one every 142 minutes.

Abraham has not scored a Premier League goal for 409 minutes, while Aubameyang scored on Boxing Day at Bournemouth, so he has only gone 26 minutes without a goal. Tambraham is due, for sure.

5. Referee: Could definitely be worse

Craig Pawson takes charge of the game on-field with Michael Oliver manning the VAR camera system. Pawson was in charge of the game at Everton at the start of December which ended in a 3-1 defeat. He’s yet to referee Arsenal this season.

6. Kick-off time

The game kicks off at 14:00 in the UK, which means…. Eastern Standard Time – 09:00, Central Standard Time – 08:00, Pacific Standard Time – 06:00, India Standard Time – 19:30, West Africa Time – 15:00

7. Summary & Prediction

This game has draw written all over it. Neither team will want to lose. Chelsea will have Mateo Kovacic return to the starting XI after he missed the Southampton game due to suspension. Tammy Abraham is due a goal and Chelsea do play better away from home, particularly against sides keener to attack.

However, given their recent run of results a draw will suit both sides and it’s difficult to see anything other than a 1-1 draw, with Tambraham, obviously, scoring for Chelsea.