Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It's another London derby for Arsenal, with Chelsea the opponents this time as the Blues take up the challenge at the Emirates Stadium.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – NBC
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock Premium
Arsenal preview: Derby success
Arsenal got their season back on track with a fine 1-4 win against bitter rivals Tottenham in the North London derby last weekend - the perfect response to their recent wobble.
With Man City breathing down their necks though, this is another big London derby that they will feel they have to win as they chase down that elusive Premier League title.
Chelsea preview: Complacent draw
Chelsea were denied what should have been a straightforward victory against Burnley last weekend, with the promoted side equalising in the 93rd minute.
Apart from an EFL Cup defeat at the Emirates at the beginning of February, the Blues have been strong on the road recently, having won five of their last six away games across all competitions.
Arsenal team news: Dowman edging back
Mikel Merino is the only long-term absentee in the Gunners camp right now, but Mikel Arteta didn't sound too confident that Ben White would be available for this fixture.
There will be a late check on Kai Havertz, while youngster Max Dowman took part in an U21 match on Friday evening as he builds up his fitness.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Unavailable: Merino (Injured)
Questionable: White (Injured), Dowman (Fitness), Havertz (Fitness)
Chelsea team news: Fofana suspended
Wesley Fofana is suspended so one of Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile or Mamadou Sarr is expected to partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defence.
Marc Cucurella and Estevao are still absent, but Romeo Lavia is an option once again after making his return in last weekend's squad.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Badiashile, Chalobah, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Unavailable: Colwill (Injured), Fofana (Suspended), Cucurella (Injured), Estevao (Injured), Gittens (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary)
Questionable: Jorgensen (Injured), Essugo (Fitness)
Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction
Recent meetings between these two London giants does not make for good reading for Chelsea, who have failed to win any of the last ten meetings between the two sides.
That includes three encounters this season, with the reverse Premier League fixture ending all square before Arsenal recorded home and away victories in the League Cup semi-finals not so long back.
After their big win at Tottenham, we expect Arsenal to deliver a strong performance here against a side whose number they have had for some time.
Arsenal vs Chelsea tip: Arsenal to win
