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The Premier League fixture list throws up yet another London derby on Saturday teatime as Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge. This game kicks off at 5:30pm.
Chelsea
Following an extremely slow and underwhelming start to the season, Chelsea went into the international break with a spring in their step. The Blues won back-to-back matches for the first time since March and finally look to be clicking.
Match has ended
Admittedly, Mauricio Pochettino’s men didn’t have to bust a gut to earn their three points at Fulham, however, they had to work a little harder for their victory at Turf Moor.
Chelsea fans haven’t had too much to celebrate over the last 12 months and they have seen their side pick up maximum points on just one occasion so far this campaign. The Blues have failed to pick up a point in their last two outings at Stamford Bridge and they’ve also drawn a blank in both games.
Despite having a week off, the injury situation has barely improved for the West Londoners with Reece James suffering a setback. Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku also remain sidelined.
Pochettino had just 15 senior fully fit players to choose from against Bournemouth last month and although the situation has picked up slightly, it is far from the ideal situation for the former Spurs boss.
Having lost four of their last five meetings with the Gunners, the Blues will be hoping to make it three wins on the spin on Saturday evening.
Arsenal
Arsenal went into the international break on a high having beaten champions Manchester City at the Emirates. It was a terrific performance from Mikel Arteta’s side and with the Citizens having now suffered back-to-back defeats, its a result which puts the North Londoners firmly in the title conversation.
Unlike Pep’s side, Arsenal are yet to suffer a defeat in the Premier League (although they were beaten by Lens in the UCL) and they will be expected to preserve that excellent record this weekend.
Although their games have been relatively entertaining, the Gunners do possess an excellent defensive record this season and have managed to keep three clean sheets in their last four outings (and four of the last seven).
Arsenal haven’t been exempt from injuries themselves, although their situation is far healthier than their opponents. Bukayo Saka is the biggest loss, although he may return in time for this game. The club will also be keeping a close eye on the fitness of William Saliba and Leandro Trossard.
Although they aren’t travelling far for this fixture, Arsenal will be looking to continue their sensational away form having won all three matches on the road so far. They have managed to keep a clean sheet in each of those victories.
Head to Head
Although Chelsea have the better record historically, it’s Arsenal who have dominated this fixture recently. The Gunners won both meetings last season by a aggregate score-line of 4-1. Gabriel’s winner enabled them to take a 1-0 victory back to North London in November 2022.
Chelsea’s last victory over Arsenal came in August 2021 at the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign. The Blues left the Emirates with all three points on that occasion courtesy of goals from Romelu Lukaku and Reece James.
The Blues were also victorious in the 2019 Europa League final with former Gunners striker Olivier Giroud coming back to haunt his former employers.
The hosts’ last home victory against this opposition came in August 2018.
Key Betting Stats
- Extending back to last season, Arsenal have kept clean sheets in six of their last ten away games
- Chelsea matches have averaged just 2.25 goals per game so far this season (1.75 at Stamford Bridge)
- Every single Arsenal match so far this season has had a minimum of 9 corners.
- Martin Odegaard is the only Arsenal player to have scored more than a single goal away from home this season
- Raheem Sterling is Chelsea’s top goalscorer and has netted three times so far. He’s also averaging two shots per match.
- Chelsea have been drawing at HT in six of their opening eight PL fixtures
Match Prediction
Chelsea are improving and will surely continue to climb the table, however, they may have their momentum briefly halted here. Arsenal have a great record against the Blues recently and they are looking extremely solid and tough to beat. The Gunners could edge it.
Winning Combo
Arsenal to Win and Under 4.5 Goals
Odds – 13/8 with Bet365
Best Bookmaker
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