Premier League action returns at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea take on Arsenal in what is expected to be a classic Derby encounter.
Chelsea were hosted by Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous GW10, and the spoils were evenly shared as Caicedo’s volley was enough to cancel Bruno Fernandes’ penalty. Chelsea, who are enjoying a great spell under Enzo Maresca in the league, have lost only twice this season, keeping them 4th on the table, level on points with rivals Arsenal.
Results haven’t gone in favour of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in recent games. A 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, a 2-2 draw to Liverpool, and a recent 1-0 loss to Newcastle last week have seen Arsenal’s hopes for staying in contention for the Premier League title a bit more difficult than expected. Arsenal trail by 7 points to Liverpool as they travel to Stamford Bridge heading into GW11.
Chelsea hosted FC Noah in the Conference League midweek and managed to pile an 8-0. However, Arsenal came back from Italy with a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan with lots of positives to take away.
The headliner of this game week sees both fierce rivals go head to head, Chelsea, with the aim of getting revenge on Arsenal, who smoked them 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium last season—their biggest defeat against Chelsea in all competitions.
Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge with the brink of no loss since 2019 against their rivals, a certain positive, but will Enzo Maresca in charge be able to stop the Gunners from continuing their fine form at their fortress?
Chelsea vs. Arsenal: When & Where?
Date: 10th November 2024, Sunday.
Time: 5:30 PM BST.
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London.
Chelsea vs Arsenal— Match Officials
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistants: Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring
Fourth Official: Andy Madley
VAR: Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR: Richard West
Chelsea vs Arsenal – Team News
Chelsea continues to have doubts about Cole Palmer after he came off injured in their game vs. United last week and also missed their midweek encounter. Fellow Englishman Jadon Sancho is also expected to miss the clash with an injury and illness.
Arsenal will be sweating with the availability of Declan Rice, who is believed to have an injury to his foot. Kai Havertz had a big cut on his head after the midweek game vs. Inter Milan and is expected to be assessed. Raheem Sterling will be out against his parent team.
Calafiori, Tomiyasu, and Tierney are out of contention as their respective injuries are being addressed. However, Ødegaard’s return after two months out with an ankle injury is a major boost.
Pre-match tactical analysis:
Constant injuries, unfavourable decisions, and a pragmatic approach from Arteta in the absence of Odegaard have left the fans asking questions, leaving the Gunners with a track record of constant defeats. Maresca, on the other hand, would look to take advantage and get their first statement win this season, keeping them a step ahead of Arsenal.
Chelsea are yet to keep up a Premier League clean sheet at the Bridge this season, with only 2 clean sheets in the season. Defence has been their weak link in their side, averaging 1.2 goals conceded per game. One of the reasons for this is the instability in defensive in terms of lining up different partnerships across the back 4.
Arsenal have managed to score 17 league goals from 15.8 expected goals (xG); finishing hasn’t really been their key issue, but it has rather been their chance creation. In the absence of their captain Martin Odegaard, Arsenal have relied for chances from their winger duo Saka and Martinelli mainly, which has made it very predictable.
Teams now prefer doubling/tripling up against their wide creators, which sees them short for options and passive on possession. Progression from the central spaces has been a massive issue for Arsenal, with Nwaneri being one of the only options to break play on the half turns. Odegaard’s return from a lengthy spell out could be the difference maker in this fixture for Arsenal.
A route that can see the hosts dominate through the pitch and go on to scare Arsenal’s defence is through their counter-orientated approach through turnovers. With pacey wingers and some tecky footwork in their attack, Chelsea could look to find answers.
Key Players:
Nicolas Jackson:
Chelsea’s attacking outlet has had a wonderful start to the campaign after having a slow start to life in London. With 6 goals from an xG rate of 6.12, he’s managed to consistently find the net and improve his finishing. Nicolas Jackson’s 12 goal involvements in Premier League London derbies since the start of last season are more than any other player has managed, so Arsenal will need to closely watch the Senegalese attacker and his uncanny movements around the box and final third.
Bukayo Saka:
Arsenal’s starboy has started this season in splendid fashion, leading the assists chart with 7 assists in the Premier League. Saka’s effortless ability to cut in with his favourite left foot and fancy a shot at goal always poses a threat. He could make the most of it by getting in the central areas and creating more from there. Can Saka keep Arsenal higher up on the table after delivering in another important away fixture?
Chelsea vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James, Caicedo, Lavia, Nkunku, Madueke, Jackson, and Neto
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Chelsea: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Havertz, Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.
