Chelsea vs Arsenal: Predicted lineups, team news and prediction

Chelsea and Arsenal are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying London derby at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. With both teams sitting on 18 points, occupying fourth and fifth spots in the Premier League table, the match is poised to have significant implications on the race for the top four. For Arsenal, the pressure is even greater, as another misstep could further dent their title hopes.

Current form and momentum

Chelsea enter the clash brimming with confidence after a sensational 8-0 victory over FC Noah in the Conference League, keeping their perfect record in the competition intact. The Blues also put up a solid fight in their last Premier League outing, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United, thanks to a stunning equaliser from Moises Caicedo. Their recent performances suggest that Chelsea are finding their rhythm, and they’ll be keen to extend their run of good form against their London rivals.

Arsenal, on the other hand, come into the game on the back of two consecutive 1-0 defeats. Mikel Arteta’s side stumbled against Newcastle United in the Premier League, followed by a disappointing loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League. The Gunners’ recent struggles in front of goal have raised concerns about their attacking potency, especially with crucial matches stacking up in both domestic and European competitions.

Team news and injury concerns

Chelsea's preparations for the derby could be impacted by the fitness of Cole Palmer. Palmer, who currently leads the Premier League with 12 goal contributions, picked up a knock in the match against Manchester United, and his availability remains uncertain. Jadon Sancho also remains a doubt, with the winger still nursing an injury.

For Arsenal, the fitness of key players is also a major talking point. Midfield dynamo Declan Rice is in a race against time to recover from a foot injury, and his absence would be a significant blow. Captain Martin Odegaard could make a return to the starting line-up, providing some much-needed stability in midfield.

However, the Gunners will be without several defensive options, including Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney, who are all sidelined with injuries. The availability of Kai Havertz is also uncertain after he suffered a head injury.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: Predicted lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson

Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Partey, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz

Head-to-head and tactical battle

Historically, Arsenal have had the upper hand in recent London derbies against Chelsea. The Gunners have won their last six derby encounters, with an impressive 22-3 goal difference. Arsenal have been unbeaten in their last five visits to Stamford Bridge, giving them a psychological edge heading into the match.

However, Chelsea’s current form at home cannot be overlooked. The Blues are unbeaten in their last eight games at Stamford Bridge across all competitions, making them a formidable opponent on their own turf. Sunday’s clash could come down to a tactical duel between Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, with both managers having plenty to prove.

The midfield battle could be pivotal, with Chelsea’s Caicedo likely playing a crucial role in breaking up Arsenal’s attacks and launching counter-attacks of his own. Arsenal will need to organise defensively while finding a way to unlock a Chelsea side that’s growing in confidence with every game.

Fans can catch the action live with a 4:30 PM GMT kick-off, broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. Viewers in the US can tune in via FuboTV and NBC, while Canadian fans have access through Fubo Sports Network Canada.