Chelsea vs Arsenal match preview: London Derby in the Premier League

Predicted XIs

Chelsea (3-5-2): Mendy, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Kante, Mount, Loftus-Cheek, Alonso; Havertz, Werner

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tavares; Xhaka, Sambi; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Martinelli

Chelsea form

Chelsea 1-4 Brentford (Premier League)

Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid (Champions League)

Southampton 0-6 Chelsea (Premier League)

Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea (Champions League)

Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace (FA Cup)

Arsenal form

Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool (Premier League)

Aston Villa 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

Crystal Palace 3-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Arsenal 1-2 Brighton (Premier League)

Southampton 1-0 Arsenal (Premier League)

Prediction

We’ve seen this story one too many times, haven’t we? Arsenal was the beginning of the end for former manager Frank Lampard as his side was defeated by Arteta’s struggling squad. Tuchel suffered defeat, as well, against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge last season during one of the most frustrating performances he’s had in west London to date. No matter the circumstances, Arsenal seems to have Chelsea’s number over the last few seasons for one reason or another.

This time is different though (at least, that’s what I’m going to tell myself leading up to kickoff). Chelsea is riding the high of three immense performances. Tuchel has his team back firing on all cylinders as they have scored 11 goals in the last three games, none of which came at home. Mason Mount is on fire with his new haircut, Timo Werner seems to be finding his footing once again in this side and Kai Havertz is due for a goal after not scoring in the Blues’ last two matches. The mentality in this side is different than the one the Gunners met at the beginning of the season, never mind during the last campaign.

Arteta will likely make some unforeseen changes to his line-up that include getting Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe all in the starting XI. The aforementioned youngsters always manage to put on a good show against the Blues. They’ll manage to find the back of the net once, but the resilient home team will walk away with all three points in the end. It’ll be a defining performance from Tuchel’s men that see them come one step closer to officially securing a top four place.

My prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal

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