Prediction: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Verdict: Chelsea double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this weekend, Chelsea will welcome Arsenal to west London on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, although Chelsea might have watched their EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end last week as they fell to a 2-0 loss away at St. James’ Park, the Blues have continued on a real Premier League flurry. Mounting a comeback away at historic rivals Manchester United last weekend as they eventually left Old Trafford with a 1-1 stalemate to show for their troubles, it appears that the mood in Enzo Maresca’s camp appears to be at a real high. Skyrocketing their way back into the Champions League spots, the former Leicester boss could be smelling the chance to make a heavyweight statement on Sunday afternoon. Despite marking their return from October’s international break with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Liverpool, that is the only defeat that Chelsea have suffered from any of their previous nine Premier League appearances.

Team News

All omitted from Chelsea’s Europa Conference League squad, the likes of Wesley Fofana, Nicolas Jackson and skipper Reece James will all make an immediate full return at Stamford Bridge. Likewise, once again handed a full rest in midweek, England international Cole Palmer will spearhead the Blues’ charge in the final third.

Continuing to impress since returning from October’s international break, former Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia will partner Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park. Despite recent criticism, ex-Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will once again start between the sticks here.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, while Arsenal might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the new campaign, Mikel Arteta’s downbeat squad have come crashing back down to earth. Suffering Champions League frustration earlier in the week as they fell to a 1-0 loss away at Inter Milan, the Gunners are desperately seeking some kind of boost. Now sat outside the top-four and really needing to make up some ground, Sunday’s guests have claimed just a pair of wins from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Showing some real inconsistencies since returning from October’s international break, Arsenal are also hoping to find a clinical edge in the final third. Falling to another 1-0 defeat against Newcastle last weekend, Arteta’s side could have another tricky test on their hands this weekend.

Team News

While influential skipper Martin Odegaard might have made a brief cameo appearance at the San Siro in midweek, the Norwegian playmaker will likely settle for a spot on the bench here. Missing out in Milan on Wednesday night, Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of England international Declan Rice.

Notching just a single goal in his last five appearances for club and country, attacking talisman Bukayo Saka will shoulder most of Arsenal’s goalscoring threat in west London. Former Chelsea star Jorginho could be handed a first Premier League start since October 5th.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Arsenal last met back on April 23rd, the Gunners collected a stunning 5-0 romp in north London.
• Arsenal have not suffered a single defeat at Stamford Bridge since way back in August 2018.
• However, including their 1-0 defeat away at Inter Milan in midweek, the Gunners have lost three of their previous four appearances away from the Emirates.
• Chelsea have lost just one of their previous nine straight Premier League appearances.
• Arsenal have registered just a single win from any of their previous six away fixtures across all competitions.

Conclusion

While Arsenal might have stormed their way to that 5-0 romp when they last met Chelsea back on April 23rd, Arteta’s downbeat squad will certainly face a far more sterner test here. Continuing to show a string of issues since returning from October’s international break, the Gunners have also recorded just a single win from any of their previous six straight showdowns outside of north London. Suffering back-to-back defeats away from the Emirates over the past week, a high-flying Chelsea should be smelling the chance to collect a heavyweight scalp in SW6.

Verdict: Chelsea double chance

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet