The Gunners will have an opportunity to close the gap between them and Liverpool to 12 points when they welcome Champions League-cashing Chelsea to the Emirates on Sunday. Here are predictions, team news, betting tips, and possible line-ups for the game.
With Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, Arsenal are set to play their game in hand over over the table-toppers while attempting to reduce the gap.
Mikel Arteta rotated heavily in the 2-2 draw against PSV in midweek, having finished the job with a 7-1 win in the first leg of their UCL round of 16 tie.
Chelsea were also in action on Thursday, advancing to the quarter-final stage of the Conference League with a 3-1 aggregate win over Copenhagen.
Currently fourth, the Blues are just two points ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City and a win here will help tighten their grip on the final UCL spot, pending if the Premier League gets the extra allotted slot for next season’s edition.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Head-to-Head
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches against Chelsea (W4, D2), their longest undefeated run in this fixture since a 19-game streak between 1995 and 2005.
Chelsea risk losing three consecutive league games at the Emirates for the first time. The last time they suffered three straight away defeats against Arsenal in the top flight was between 2001 and 2003 at Highbury.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Team News & Possible Line-ups
Raheem Sterling
Arsenal will be without Raheem Sterling, as he is not allowed to play against his parent club. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Bukayo Saka also remain sidelined, though Arteta has confirmed that Saka is making good progress in his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury.
For Chelsea, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Robert Sanchez will keep his place in goal after being recalled for last weekend’s win over Leicester.
Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are available again after missing Thursday’s victory against Copenhagen, while Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are expected to return after the international break.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke
Arsenal Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Trossard, Merino, Nwaneri
Chelsea Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez (GK); James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto
Arsenal vs Chelsea Predictions & Betting Tips
Both teams have suffered from poor finishing and creativity in attack of late, which makes this tie a close one to call.
However, the Gunners extra defensive solidity and home advantage could make the difference here.
Arsenal to win
Under 3.5 goals
Arsenal first to score
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