An electric match in view and an age-long battle involving Chelsea and Arsenal once again comes alive on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
The London derby can’t come at any time better than this, as both clubs are in a rich vein of form.
Arsenal sit joint-top with Tottenham Hotspur on the Premier League table, with 20 points from 8 matches, although with fewer goals scored than Spurs.
They come into this clash off the back of a statement victory over Manchester City on October 8, 2023.
That win over the Cityzens became the first league win for Arsenal over Pep Guardiola’s side since 2015.
It was a morale-boosting victory for the club in their aim to win the English Premier League title, having come so close last season.
The Blues welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge, having seemingly overcome a poor start to the season.
Chelsea have experienced an upturn in fortune in recent weeks, as they have won their last 3 matches across all competitions in impressive fashion.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side started their three-game winning run with a 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, before defeating Fulham and Burnley by 2-0 and 4-0 respectively in the Premier League.
The Blues sit 11th on the Premier League table with 11 points from 8 matches and this is largely due to their horrendous start to the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal could potentially move to the summit of the Premier League table with a win against Chelsea
Meanwhile, a victory for Arsenal on Sunday could see them go clear of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League standings, as Spurs do not play until Monday, October 23, 2023 against Fulham.
In the last 38 meetings between Chelsea and the Gunners, the Blues have come out victorious 15 times, while Arsenal have been victors 14 times, the encounter has also ended in a draw on 9 different occasions.
Mikel Arteta’s side have defeated Chelsea in their last 3 league meetings, including winning 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium last season.
In the previous 7 Premier League matches between the two clubs, Arsenal have won 5 times, Chelsea have won just once, while both clubs have settled the spoils once.
Team News For Chelsea
A large chunk of the Chelsea squad remain in the treatment room, with Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka all sidelined due to injuries.
Nicolas Jackson remains a doubt for the clash, with the availability of captain Reece James also uncertain.
Marcus Bettinelli, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, and Cole Palmer will need to be assessed ahead of the fixture on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are expected to start for Chelsea in midfield, despite taking part in an arduous journey from South America to England.
Team News For Arsenal
Bukayo Saka is recovering from a hamstring problem but could be fit enough for the game, while Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are all doubts about the London derby.
Jurrien Timber remains a long-term absentee as he is still battling an ACL injury which he picked up at the early stages of the season.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez, Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Palmer, Jackson, and Sterling.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Partey, Saka, Nketiah, and Martinelli.
Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
The Blues are in a rich vein of form and they should ruffle feathers against Arsenal, however, the Gunners seem to be in a class of their own at this point and a victory at Stamford Bridge should come easy.
Kick-Off Time: 05:30 PM (BST)
