Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Chelsea, Squad Update and Prediction
Credit: Khel Now
Match Preview: Arsenal Vs Chelsea, Squad Update and Prediction
The 11th week of the Premier League season will reach a highlight on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea plays Arsenal in a big London rivalry at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s team is currently keeping Arsenal out of the top four spots, thanks to their better goal difference. Earlier in the week, Chelsea showed off their attacking strength in an impressive win over Armenian team FC Noah, scoring eight goals in London. This big win helped Chelsea stay at the top of their Conference League group, as they aim for a European title that Arsenal has yet to win.
Last weekend, Chelsea narrowly avoided defeat at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, with Moises Caicedo scoring a brilliant goal just four minutes after United’s Bruno Fernandes had put his team ahead with a penalty.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Aston Villa each have 18 points, making the league standings very close. Chelsea could rise into the top three if they perform better than Nottingham Forest in their game against Newcastle. Chelsea also has an eight-game unbeaten streak at home in all competitions, but they haven’t managed to keep a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge in the league this season.
On the other hand, Arsenal hasn’t been strong in attack recently. They lost 1-0 twice, first to Newcastle in the Premier League and then to Inter Milan in the Champions League. Despite trying an impressive 46 crosses against Inter, they couldn’t break through and suffered their first European loss of the season.
Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, made the usual full team change midweek, swapping out all 11 players for the Conference League game. One key player, Cole Palmer, wasn’t included because he’s not registered for the Conference League, and he’s still recovering from an injury after being tackled by Lisandro Martinez last weekend.
Maresca is hoping Palmer will be fit to return to the starting lineup this weekend, especially since Palmer was recently called up for the England squad. However, Chelsea is also dealing with injuries to other players, including Jadon Sancho, who’s struggling with an injury and illness, while Omari Kellyman is out with a hamstring problem.
Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, with 12 goal contributions (7 goals and 5 assists) the highest in the Premier League. But if he’s not ready to play, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, who both scored twice in the last match against Noah, could step in to fill his role.
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For Arsenal, another star player, Declan Rice, who used to be in Chelsea’s youth academy, is also uncertain for this game due to a foot injury that’s suspected to be a broken toe.
In positive news, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, returned from an ankle injury in midweek as a substitute, and he may be ready to start this weekend, which would boost Arsenal’s creative play. But Arsenal still has a few injury concerns: Kai Havertz, who used to play for Chelsea, had a head injury after a clash during their recent game against Inter Milan, and other players like Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are out until after the international break. Additionally, Raheem Sterling can’t play against Chelsea due to rules that prevent him from facing his former team.
Overall, both teams are dealing with several injuries to key players, which could impact their performances in this important London clash.
“I don’t think Arsenal will fall away by any stretch, I just feel like this is the kind of game where Chelsea have nothing to lose really. I think Arsenal are a team that is challenging for the title, Chelsea aren’t quite there yet, probably overachieving from what a lot of people expected. That’s why I feel like players like Cole Palmer can get on the ball and make them tick. I feel like Chelsea win this 2-1.” Peter Crouch says on his Podcast
Considering Chelsea’s solid home form, confidence from recent wins, and potential lineup flexibility, they seem slightly better positioned. However, Arsenal’s strength in London derbies and recent dominance over Chelsea mean they’ll be competitive even without a few key players. Both sides are dealing with notable injuries, which could impact the game’s intensity and outcome.
Our Prediction:
- Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal or 1-1 Draw
Chelsea could edge a close victory due to home advantage and recent form, but Arsenal’s experience in these derbies and their urgency to break their winless streak could see them manage a draw if they take advantage of Chelsea’s defensive gaps.
