A mouthwatering London derby is on the cards as Chelsea prepare to host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on November 10. The Blues find themselves in fourth place, just ahead of their fifth-placed rivals on goal difference after a mixed start to the season. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s men are looking to bounce back after going winless in their last three Premier League outings, denting their title aspirations.
Key Details and How to Watch
The match kicks off at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET) on Sunday, with Michael Oliver appointed as the referee and Paul Tierney on VAR duties. Fans in the UK can catch the action live on Sky Sports, while those in the US can tune in via NBC Sports. As always, you can follow along with ESPN’s live updates for all the latest developments.
Team News and Injury Updates
Both sides have some injury concerns heading into this crucial fixture. For Chelsea, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho are doubtful with knee and illness issues, respectively. As for the Gunners, Kai Havertz is a doubt after sustaining a forehead injury, while Declan Rice’s potential absence with a toe problem could be a massive blow in midfield.
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive woes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined until at least November 23. It remains to be seen how Arteta shuffles his pack to cope with these absences against a potent Chelsea attack.
Form Guide and Key Stats
Despite their lofty position, Chelsea have only managed to accrue the tenth-most points in the league since the start of October, highlighting their inconsistent form. However, they will take heart from Arsenal’s dismal recent record against them, with the Gunners winning just one of the last nine Premier League meetings between the two.
That said, Arsenal did thrash Chelsea 5-0 in their most recent encounter back in April. Arteta will hope for more of the same, but his side’s away form is a concern, having picked up just seven points from five road trips this term.
According to a close source, Arsenal’s struggles away from home could be a psychological hurdle they need to overcome to keep their title challenge on track.
Players to Watch
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form, notching the second-most goal contributions in the Premier League this season. His creativity could be key to unlocking a depleted Arsenal backline. On the other hand, Bukayo Saka leads the division in assists and will fancy his chances against a Chelsea defense that has looked shaky at times.
In midfield, the battle between Enzo Fernández and Thomas Partey could be pivotal in establishing control of the game. Both possess the ability to dictate the tempo and spring attacks with their passing range.
Predicted Lineups
Barring any late fitness issues, here’s how the two teams could line up:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, James; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Partey; Martinelli, Trossard, Saka; Havertz
Final Thoughts and Prediction
With both sides desperate for a win to kickstart their season, this has all the makings of a enthralling encounter. Chelsea’s home advantage could prove decisive, but Arsenal’s frontline has the firepower to cause problems. Expect goals at both ends in a closely fought affair.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
Adding to Arsenal’s defensive woes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined until at least November 23. It remains to be seen how Arteta shuffles his pack to cope with these absences against a potent Chelsea attack.
Form Guide and Key Stats
Despite their lofty position, Chelsea have only managed to accrue the tenth-most points in the league since the start of October, highlighting their inconsistent form. However, they will take heart from Arsenal’s dismal recent record against them, with the Gunners winning just one of the last nine Premier League meetings between the two.
That said, Arsenal did thrash Chelsea 5-0 in their most recent encounter back in April. Arteta will hope for more of the same, but his side’s away form is a concern, having picked up just seven points from five road trips this term.
According to a close source, Arsenal’s struggles away from home could be a psychological hurdle they need to overcome to keep their title challenge on track.
Players to Watch
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been in scintillating form, notching the second-most goal contributions in the Premier League this season. His creativity could be key to unlocking a depleted Arsenal backline. On the other hand, Bukayo Saka leads the division in assists and will fancy his chances against a Chelsea defense that has looked shaky at times.
In midfield, the battle between Enzo Fernández and Thomas Partey could be pivotal in establishing control of the game. Both possess the ability to dictate the tempo and spring attacks with their passing range.
Predicted Lineups
Barring any late fitness issues, here’s how the two teams could line up:
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, James; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Rice, Partey; Martinelli, Trossard, Saka; Havertz
Final Thoughts and Prediction
With both sides desperate for a win to kickstart their season, this has all the makings of a enthralling encounter. Chelsea’s home advantage could prove decisive, but Arsenal’s frontline has the firepower to cause problems. Expect goals at both ends in a closely fought affair.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
