Chelsea vs Arsenal Prediction

The race for the top four starts to really heat up on Sunday, as Chelsea play host to a floundering Arsenal in Sunday’s 4:30 kick-off.

Chelsea find themselves above Arsenal for the first time in the best part of three seasons, after a draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford was enough to see them move fourth, displacing Arsenal after their 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle.

The Gunner’s have failed to pick up a league win in their last three attempts, a run of form that has seen them drop out of the discussion surrounding the title race, and they currently reside in a surprise fifth place, outside the orthodox Champions League places.

As a huge game for both sides approaches, here is everything you need to know about both teams ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Chelsea have failed to beat Arsenal in their last six meetings, with their last victory coming in 2021.
• However, the Blue’s have reached the 20 goal mark already, and are just one of three teams to have bagged 20+ goals this season.
• Arsenal’s consecutive 1-0 losses to Newcastle and Inter Milan respectively mark the club’s longest barren run in front of goal since April.
• A win for either side here could propel them into third place should Nottingham Forest drop points

Chelsea Preview

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez (GK); Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Reece James; Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson.

Despite sitting fourth after 10 games, Chelsea know that they have an extra level to unlock. Their recent performances in a cup defeat to Newcastle and the draw at Old Trafford were sloppy, and not at all representative of their style in their other fixtures this season.

Saved by a Caicedo blockbuster at Old Trafford, Enzo Maresca may have to rethink a couple of tactical decision, with the primary issue being who to play at left back. In their last three games, right-backs Malo Gusto and the fit again Reece James have alternated there, despite having both natural left backs Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga fit.

He may be forced to play one of them there on this occasion, as Chelsea’s build up against Manchester United lacked familiarity, with Reece James the culprit for a couple of nearly costly mistakes.

However, should they find form, like they did in their ruthless 8-0 thumping Noah Noah on Thursday night, Chelsea will be tough to beat, and Arsenal will need to be on their A game.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): David Raya (GK), Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Ben White; Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka; Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus.

In their unfortunate defeat to Inter Milan on Wednesday night, Arsenal’s night got worse as Kai Havertz went off with a head injury. Arsenal are now missing the German, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu, key cogs in Mikel Arteta’s system.

However, there was good news, as Martin Odegaard returned to the bench, and even made a 90th minute cameo in their Champions League clash.

However, Arteta will not want to risk the Norwegian, and he will likely start the game on the bench, and be given another substitute appearance with half an hour to go. He has been desperately needed to Arsenal’s recent drop in form, and perhaps his return with act as a catalyst for an improved Arsenal performance this weekend.

Chelsea vs Arsenal Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 23/04/2024: Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea.
• 21/10/2023: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal.
• 02/05/2023: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea.
• 06/11/2022: Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal.
• 20/04/2022: Chelsea 2-4 Arsenal.

Chelsea vs Arsenal Betting Tip

Given that both sides' excellent early season form has faltered, they are both facing each other while the other is fragile. Both will view the game as a chance to bounce back, and the action will certainly be end to end.

However, we believe that they will cancel each other out, with the game ending in a draw. Given Chelsea’s attacking success, it will likely be a high-scoring game, but Chelsea’s defence has repeatedly failed to answer probing questions, and they will find a way to self-sabotage.

Chelsea vs Arsenal Final Prediction

Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal

I can certainly see Chelsea taking the lead after a fast start, and they could well lead twice. However, recent history dictates that they will lose their concentration when leading by a goal, and will provide clear opportunities for Arsenal to get back into the game.

It will be a good game to watch for the neutral, but will be a torturous 90 minutes for fans of either side.