Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview: Team News & Prediction
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After both teams recorded big European victories midweek, Chelsea and Arsenal converge on Stamford Bridge for a mouthwatering London derby in the Premier League.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – nbc.com
Chelsea preview: Positive signs
Unbeaten in six games across all competitions, Chelsea are flying on all fronts right now having followed their 0-2 win at Burnley last weekend with a fine 3-0 triumph over Catalan giants Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
The Blues have a torrid recent record against Arsenal though, having beaten their London rivals just once in the last 12 competitive meetings between the two sides.
Arsenal preview: Relentless Gunners
Arsenal can seemingly do no wrong right now as they are seeing off every challenge in the Premier League while also proving to be one of, if not the best sides in Europe right now.
The Gunners completely outclassed local rivals Tottenham in a 4-1 victory at the Emirates last weekend, before following that up with another eye-catching home display against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, when they defeated the German giants 3-1.
Chelsea team news: Palmer "available"
Enzo Maresca somewhat surprisingly stated that Cole Palmer is fit to start this fixture, but it would be something of a surprise if the England international was to come straight into the starting XI after his injury lay-off.
Dario Essugo has returned to training, while Maresca may look at fielding both Pedro Neto and Estevao in the same team, with the pair in such good form at the moment.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap
Unavailable: Colwill (Injured), Lavia (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary)
Questionable: Essugo (Fitness)
Arsenal team news: A number of 50/50 calls
Gabriel Jesus is "very, very close" to the squad after taking part in a behind-closed-doors match on Thursday, while late calls will be made on Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.
Leandro Trossard picked up a knock against Bayern but could shake it off in time for Sunday, but centre-back Gabriel remains out.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Unavailable: Gabriel (Injured)
Questionable: Trossard (Injured), Jesus (Fitness), Havertz (Injured), Gyokeres (Injured)
Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction
Both sides will no doubt believe they can win this given recent form, but it would take a brave punter to back against Arsenal right now.
The Gunners have still lost just one game in all competitions this season, and they will be in no mood to offer hope to the chasing pack in the Premier League.
Chelsea are really starting to find consistency under Maresca, but this will be a true test of where they are. We fancy the visitors to edge this.
Chelsea vs Arsenal tip: Arsenal to win
