Arsenal vs Chelsea preview: How to watch on TV and live stream

3 of 3

Chelsea’s French-born Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy (R) gestures to Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger (L) during the pre-season friendly football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at The Emirates Sadium in north London on August 1, 2021. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Predicted XIs

Chelsea (3-4-3): Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell; Havertz, Lukaku, Mount

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Leno, Bellerin, White, Mari, Tierney; Lokonga, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang

Chelsea form

Bournemouth 1-2 Chelsea (Preseason friendly)

Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea (Preseason friendly)

Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea (Preseason friendly)

Chelsea (6) 1-1 (5) Villarreal (UEFA Super Cup)

Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace (Premier League)

Arsenal form

Hibernian 2-1 Arsenal (Preseason friendly)

Rangers 2-2 Arsenal (Preseason friendly)

Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea (Preseason friendly)

Tottenham 1-0 Arsenal (Preseason friendly)

Brentford 2-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

197. Sunday, Aug. 22. 320. 11:30 a.m. ET. NBCSN. 2nd. . 17th

Prediction

This could be Chelsea’s toughest game in the Premier League up to this point.

On a more serious note, Arsenal is going to prove to be at least a semi-worthy opponent in this fixture. The Emirates will be rocking at full capacity for the first time in the Premier League for nearly 18 months and Arteta has his back against the wall as he continues to fight for his job. The Gunners thrive in those situations—as Chelsea found out the hard way last season.

The Blues will control possession for a majority of this match and Arsenal will probably let them. The home side will set up with a speedy attack, capable of hitting Chelsea out on the counter should someone find themselves out of position. Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin seem to always pose problems for the Blues, no matter their form or manager. The attack-minded fullbacks can stretch Tuchel’s side if it is not careful, so expect the Chelsea boss to send out his best XI.

The addition of Lukaku—as well as the return of Mount and Havertz up top—will prove to be too much for the Gunners though. The Blues finally look to have added the last piece to their puzzle and they will make a statement with this win away from home. Chelsea gets rid of its demons and defeats its north London rival for the first time since 2019, keeping the team amongst the English top flight’s front runners.

Score prediction: Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea

Next. Chelsea predicted XI: Romelu Lukaku leading 3-4-3 against Arsenal. dark

What is your prediction for the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

Home/Premier League