The Premier League’s top two clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, with Chelsea aiming to reduce the gap to table-toppers Arsenal to three points.
The London rivals head into the most important replay of this clash in years following a stunning midweek win over the European giants. Chelsea produced their standout performance of the Enzo Maresca era so far to beat Barcelona 3–0, while Arsenal were once again convincing in a 3–1 win over previously unbeaten Bayern Munich.
Many will now argue that Mikel Arteta’s side are currently the best team in Europe, but the Spaniard will know that titles are not won in November. Still, if they prevail here, the Gunners will open a seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the Blues overtook Manchester City in the table after Newcastle United beat the Citizens 2-1 last Saturday. Earlier, they had won 2–0 at Burnley.
However, now they are seeking a rare victory over the north Londoners. Their last win in this match came in August 2021, when Romelu Lukaku was scoring for Thomas Tuchel-led Chelsea.
is here Sports IllustratedYour guide to Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash.
Chelsea vs Arsenal head-to-head record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
chelsea |
armory |
|---|---|
|
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona – 25/11/25 |
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich – 26/11/25 |
|
Burnley 0-2 Chelsea – 22/11/25 |
Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham – 23/11/25 |
|
Chelsea 3-0 Wolves – 08/11/25 |
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal – 08/11/25 |
|
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea – 05/11/25 |
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal – 04/11/25 |
|
Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea – 01/11/25 |
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal – 01/11/25 |
|
Country |
TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
Sky Go UK, Now, Sky Go Extra, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD |
|
United States of America |
Telemundo Deportes en Vivo, NBC Sports App, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo |
|
Canada |
DAZN Canada, FuboTV Canada |
|
Mexico |
max mexico |
Chelsea’s excellent performance against Barcelona will mean it will be difficult for Maresca to make changes to his starting XI, but the opponent is key in determining the Italian’s personnel, and he will likely tweak a few things on Sunday.
Joao Pedro is set to return to the team after being an unused substitute on Tuesday, but Maresca will have to decide whether to use the Brazilian as a number 10 or as a withdrawn center forward. The presence of Liam Delap up top could be useful against this Arsenal defence.
Estevao will certainly need to start at right tackle, but Maresca also has Cole Palmer to call upon. The Englishman trained ahead of the Barca game and is ready to start this weekend if needed.
Levi Colville, Romeo Lavia and Dario Assugo will remain out of the hosts’ squad.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro.
Since the international break in November, Arsenal have gradually welcomed back their attacking stars from injury, including Nonni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli who have recovered. Both were on the scoresheet against Bayern.
However, Leandro Trossard suffered a knock on Wednesday night and is doubtful for Sunday’s game. Victor Gyökeres is also unlikely to be available for Arteta, while Kai Havertz will return sometime next month. Gabriel Jesus is close to his long-awaited return from a knee injury.
Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are set to return on the left of Arsenal’s strong defence, while captain Martin Odegaard could return to the engine room, while Eberechi Eze is on the way out.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Eze.
An Arsenal win at Stamford Bridge will be vital for the Gunners, who have been nothing short of impressive in their two fixtures after the break. They look unbeatable right now, but Maresca’s Chelsea will question his credentials.
The Blues were working tirelessly throughout the week, their work out of possession vital to stopping a Barcelona team who looked stranded without Pedri in midfield. Arsenal will have more solutions to the hosts’ press, and will likely test a defense that has looked more vulnerable than strong this season.
However, there may be intangibles at play here. Forget strategy for a minute. There will be excitement at the Bridge after Tuesday’s win, and there will be a sense of desperation within the hosts, who will know that if Arsenal win on Sunday it could snatch the title.
Therefore, we would favor a repeat of last season’s result: 1-1. Perhaps Palmer’s return will bring Chelsea back into the game late on.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
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