Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, currently edging Arsenal out of the Champions League spots on goal difference, showed their attacking power midweek by thrashing Armenian side FC Noah 8-0 in the Conference League. That commanding victory marked Chelsea’s third consecutive win in the tournament, putting them comfortably at the top of their group.
In the league, Chelsea needed some late-game magic from Moises Caicedo to avoid defeat against van Nistelrooy’s Manchester United, with his stunning volley equalizing a Bruno Fernandes penalty just minutes before.
Currently fourth with 18 points—tied with Arsenal and Aston Villa—the Blues could break into the top three if they secure a win and other results go their way. However, they’re still without a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge this season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal enter this match in mixed form. They’ve struggled to find the net recently, with consecutive 1-0 losses to Newcastle and Inter Milan, the latter settled by a controversial Hakan Calhanoglu penalty. Arsenal’s attack was unusually ineffective in Milan, where they sent in 46 crosses without any success. Adding to their rough patch, they’re reeling from the unexpected resignation of sporting director Edu, leaving them on a three-game winless streak in the league and seven points off the top.
Still, Arsenal have thrived in London derbies, winning their last six with a combined score of 22-3, including a 5-0 rout of Chelsea last season. They’ve been unbeaten in five straight matches at Stamford Bridge, though their most recent trip there ended in a 2-2 draw.
For both teams, this London clash offers a crucial opportunity to regain momentum and claim valuable points in the push for Champions League spots.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made a full squad rotation in midweek, resting his main stars, including Cole Palmer, who wasn't in the Conference League lineup. However, Palmer is still feeling the effects of last weekend’s tough tackle from Lisandro Martinez, and Maresca is hoping he’ll be ready to return to the starting lineup this weekend.Palmer, recently called up to the England squad, has been instrumental for Chelsea with 12 direct goal involvements (seven goals and five assists) this season. Still, Chelsea has backup firepower, with Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix each scoring twice in their 8-0 win over FC Noah. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is doubtful due to a knock and illness, and Omari Kellyman is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Over at Arsenal, the status of Declan Rice—another key English midfielder—is also up in the air. Rice, a Chelsea academy alumnus, is recovering from a foot injury, thought to be a broken toe, and his availability for this critical match is uncertain. On a positive note, Martin Odegaard made his return from an ankle injury as a late substitute in midweek, and Mikel Arteta is likely to start him to boost Arsenal’s creativity.
However, Kai Havertz will need a check after a head collision with Inter’s Yann Bisseck, and Arsenal will remain without Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney until after the international break. Additionally, Raheem Sterling will be unavailable, as he’s ineligible to play against his parent club.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James; Caicedo, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
Chelsea, who have had a hard time keeping clean sheets at home, might have to settle for a draw against their London rivals, especially if Cole Palmer isn’t at full strength. Still, Maresca would likely be the more satisfied manager if both teams share the points.
