Rejuvenated Chelsea lock horns against in-form Arsenal as EPL returns
London foes Chelsea and Arsenal will renew their rivalry this weekend with their match on Saturday set to headline the return of the English Premier League following the October international break.
Both sides entered the two-week hiatus in buoyant mood after claiming wins in their last assignments and will be keen to pick from where they left off when they clash at Stamford Bridge.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea thrashed Burnley 1-4 to pick up a third consecutive win in all competitions, a first for them this season, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ended their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over Manchester City as Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory against the reigning champions.
The win over City left the Gunners once again daring to dream as they moved joint-top of the league table alongside cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur who are just ahead of them on goals scored with both sides on 20 points.
For a rejuvenated Chelsea, their impressive form will be put to the test especially with Arsenal having won seven of their last eight matches against them. Moreover, the Gunners have also won on their last three visits to the Bridge, a record that the team currently in 11th position will be out to change.
Whether the Blues will have any answers to end Arsenal’s dominance remains to be seen when they two sides clash on Saturday. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the mouthwatering clash.
What time does Chelsea vs Arsenal start?
The game will kick of at 17:30pm UK time and will take place at the Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Team News
The Blues’ injury crisis has seemingly only worsened over the international break. Currently, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka have all suffered setbacks in their recoveries and will not be available this weekend.
Doubts have also arisen regarding captain Reece James, who suffered an injury in training before the break despite appearing to be on his way back to action.
Ben Chilwell and French defender Axel Disasi will also miss the London derby. Cole Palmer picked up a knock on international duty but is expected to be fine for some action if not fully fit for a starting place.
Benoit Badiashile is well on his way to recovery but is not expected to be fit in time for the clash.
For Arsenal, there’s more positive news for the visitors, although doubts continue to linger surrounding Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard who had sustained slight injuries into the October international break.
There is an air of positivity on Saka and Thomas Partey, though, and both are expected to be fit for starts as well as Gabriel Martinelli who made a superb return from injury in the win over City.
Jurrien Timber continues to be a long-term absentee, with the Gunners having no fresh injury concerns.
Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Sterling, Enzo, Mudryk; Jackson.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Chelsea vs Arsenal head-to-head
The Gunners overall record against Chelsea is positive, and they hold a clear lead in head-to-head wins.
Across all competitions, since 1907, the two sides have met a total of 207 times, with 82 wins for Arsenal, 66 for Chelsea, and 59 draws.
In Premier League meetings, Arsenal still hold the advantage with their 25 wins compared to Chelsea’s 20, with 17 ending in draws out of the 62 times they have met.
Arsenal also arrive at the Bridge having won seven of their last eight matches against Chelsea. In fact Arteta’s side have won on their last three visits to that ground.
Chelsea wins: 66
Draws: 58
Arsenal wins: 83
Chelsea vs Arsenal Current Form
Both sides head into the clash in confident mood. Chelsea have won their last three matches in all competitions while Arsenal will take confidence from beating Man City in their last league clash and the fact that they are one of the two remaining unbeaten sides in the league.
Chelsea: DLWWW
Arsenal: DWWLW
Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction
Although things look to be improving at Stamford Bridge, the challenge from Arsenal might test Chelsea past their limits considering the form they are in and the manpower they have.
However, goals from both sides should not be a challenge.
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