Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge today in the Premier League, with both sides on 18 points after 10 games and looking to climb the table after Manchester City slipped up against Brighton yesterday.
Chelsea laboured to a disappointing draw away at Manchester United last weekend and missed the chance to go third in the table, though they could yet jump that high should they triumph here. Meanwhile Arsenal enter the weekend after back-to-back defeats, the latest to Inter Milan in the Champions League, and find themselves 10 points behind leaders Liverpool.
The Gunners will want to remind neutrals of their title credentials, and a game against an old enemy at Stamford Bridge is the perfect chance to do so, while Enzo Maresca’s side will want to build on their early promise with a statement result.
Follow all the Premier League updates with our live blog below.
Can Chelsea score against Arsenal?
Arsenal have scored the last seven goals in this fixture. This match could be a good one for the Gunners to turn around their declining form or it could be an indicator that Chelsea are now performing better than their rivals.
It will all depend on which team proves successful this afternoon.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:50
Head to head
Chelsea’s only win in the last 10 meetings in all competitions was a 2-0 triumph in the Premier League at the Emirates in August 2021.
They’ve drawn two and lost seven during that run. The Blues have failed to win any of their last five home games against the Gunners with two draws and three defeats.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:45
Cole Palmer injury update
“He’s getting better,” said Blues boss Enzo Maresca. “(Just because) he can walk and have dinner it doesn’t mean he is completely fit but we still have two days to prepare the game.
“Hopefully we can have him for the session at least Saturday and then we’ll take a decision.”
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:40
Chelsea sweep past Armenian minnows Noah with merciless eight-goal display
Chelsea swept past Armenian side Noah as Enzo Maresca’s second string turned in a merciless attacking display to win 8-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The Europa Conference League had been a testing ground for the head coach to ply his enviable strength in depth and, having hit four in each of their first two matches, his stand-ins raised the bar to blow the visiting team away with six goals scored in the first half demonstrating a chasmic gulf in class.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu celebrated first Chelsea goals since joining, Joao Felix grabbed the opportunity to impress with two more, while there were goals too for Axel Disasi and, most impressively, Mykhailo Mudryk whose curler from outside the box was the pick of them.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:35
Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction
The hosts should be confident given Arsenal’s indifferent form of late. If they are brave in their own offensive efforts, they can win and send the Gunners into further turmoil.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:30
Chelsea vs Arsenal predicted line-ups
Here’s how we see the two teams lining up against each other this afternoon:
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, James, Caicedo, Lavia, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Jorginho, Odegaard, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:25
Arsenal early team news
Kai Havertz picked up a head wound in midweek but should be fit to play, assuming no concussion ramifications.
Declan Rice missed that defeat to Inter Milan with a foot injury so should be considered a doubt here – but Martin Odegaard made his return from injury off the bench and might well be rushed into starting action given concerns over Arsenal’s form and the fact Mikel Merino is another doubt.
Raheem Sterling cannot feature against his parent club.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:20
Chelsea’s early team news
Cole Palmer remains a doubt but Enzo Maresca is hopeful he’ll be involved as the attacker makes progress after a knock. Jadon Sancho is also a slight doubt but doesn’t seem likely to start anyway.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:15
Where can I watch it?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League, Main Event and Ultra HDR. Subscribers can stream the match on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 14:10