Arsenal and Chelsea face off at the Emirates Stadium in an exciting London derby on Sunday afternoon. While Arsenal were once in contention for the Premier League title, they are now fighting to secure a top-four finish. Chelsea, meanwhile, have the chance to close the gap on their rivals to just three points if they come out on top this weekend.
Arsenal arrive at this clash following a controversial draw against Manchester United, where Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free kick sparked debate over the positioning of the defensive wall. Mikel Arteta’s men struggled to respond until Declan Rice’s long-range effort ended their two-game league goal drought and salvaged a point at Old Trafford. However, with Liverpool maintaining their strong form, Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title appear to be slipping away.
Their recent struggles extend beyond the Premier League, with only two wins from their last seven matches in all competitions. They were held to a 2-2 draw against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, though their dominant first-leg victory ensured progression to the quarter-finals, where they will face Real Madrid. Despite that, Arsenal must focus on the present, as they risk losing consecutive home London derbies for the first time since moving to the Emirates in 2006, following their recent defeat to West Ham United.
Chelsea have faced their own challenges in front of goal, with criticism directed at their attacking approach under Enzo Maresca. Their recent wins against Leicester City and Copenhagen were narrow, with Marc Cucurella’s strike proving decisive in the former, while a lone goal from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall secured victory in the latter. Despite securing four straight wins in all competitions, only one of those a 4-0 triumph over Southampton—was truly convincing.
Maresca’s side faces an uphill battle for a top-four finish, with Manchester City poised to overtake them should they defeat Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Chelsea’s away form has been a concern, with no wins in their last six Premier League matches on the road since their thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in December. Their record against Arsenal has also been poor, failing to win any of their last six league encounters, though they did manage a draw in their previous meeting at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Arsenal’s injury situation remains unchanged, with Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) all unavailable. Raheem Sterling is also ineligible for this clash. However, Gabriel Martinelli is expected to make his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury, offering an alternative option in the number nine role alongside Leandro Trossard. Meanwhile, Ethan Nwaneri could make history by becoming the first player under 18 to score in a Premier League London derby.
For Chelsea, Maresca is without Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, Noni Madueke (all hamstring injuries), and Omari Kellyman (fitness), while Mykhaylo Mudryk serves a suspension. Malo Gusto remains a doubt due to an ankle knock, and his availability is uncertain. Should he remain sidelined, either Wesley Fofana or Reece James who has recently been called up to the England squad will fill the right-back role, though Maresca has hinted that James could also be deployed in midfield.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Martinelli, Trossard.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto.
Both teams have key absences, and with inconsistent attacking displays from both sides, this London derby could be a closely contested affair.
