Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker:
In what is a heavyweight London derby from Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, Chelsea will welcome Arsenal to SW6.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign in the midst of a real wobble, the Blues did appear to find a much-welcomed boost prior to October’s international break. Heading into the fortnight interval with a 4-1 romp away at Premier League returners Burnley, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have won each of their previous three showdowns against top-flight opposition. Extending on their EFL Cup adventure last month as they landed a 1-0 win at home against Brighton, the former Tottenham boss will be hoping for his squad to lay down a heavyweight marker here. However, hit with a 3-1 drumming when they last met Saturday’s guests back on March 2nd, Chelsea do hold a worrying record against the title contenders. In fact, Pochettino’s men have lost each of their previous three meetings against Arsenal by an aggregate score of 8-3.
Team News
In what looks to be another blow for Chelsea this weekend, the Blues have confirmed that England international Reece James is not expected to feature here.
Coming off the bench and bagging his second Premier League strike of the season away at Burnley prior to October’s international break, Nicolas Jackson could be handed a full recall on Saturday evening. Former Brighton star Moises Caicedo will once again partner Enzo Fernandez at the heart of Pochettino’s midfield.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, heading into October’s international break with a stunning last-gasp 1-0 win against Manchester City, Arsenal will be relishing their return on Saturday evening. Although the Gunners might have eventually fallen short in their bid to claim a first Premier League crown since 2004 last season, Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to make a heavyweight statement at Stamford Bridge. Marking their return with just their goal difference keeping them off of top spot, Arsenal are also one of just two Premier League sides that are yet to taste a single defeat since opening up the 2023/24 campaign. With their sights firmly set on mounting another genuine title charge this time around, the Gunners have also impressed with their recent performances at the back. In fact, Saturday’s guests have kept a clean sheet in each of their previous three meetings against top-flight opposition.
Team News
Having to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s England squad this month, Arsenal are still sweating over the fitness of attacking talisman Bukayo Saka on Saturday evening. However, coming off the bench and bagging the winner against Manchester City last time out, Brazil ace Gabriel Martinelli looks set to make a first Premier League start since September 17th.
Also returning from injury and featuring with Ghana over the past fortnight, Thomas Partey could replace former Chelsea star Jorginho at the heart of the Gunners’ midfield here.
Key Factors to Consider
