Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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A London derby between two clubs who currently occupy top four places carries huge importance for both Arsenal and Chelsea.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday March 16th 2025: UK – 1:30pm / US ET – 9:30am / US PT – 6:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – NBC
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Peacock and Telemundo
Arsenal Preview: Liverpool further away than ever
Arsenal failing to beat Man Utd at Old Trafford last Sunday means that the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool currently stands at a whopping 15 points, putting into perspective the size of the task ahead from now until the end of the season if Mikel Arteta’s men want to capture the Premier League title.
There was better news in midweek as the Gunners confirmed their passage through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League where Real Madrid lie in wait. For now though, all their focus needs to be on the Premier League.
Chelsea Preview: A chance to close the gap
Three points here for Chelsea would cut the gap between them and second-placed Arsenal to three points following back-to-back home league wins for Enzo Maresca’s side. The Blues make the short trip across London having recorded four consecutive victories in all competitions, so confidence is high among their squad.
However, it’s not been easy away from home for Chelsea and defeats at the likes of Brighton and Aston Villa fairly recently are likely still raw. Like Arsenal though, they come into this encounter on the back of progressing in Europe.
Arsenal Team News: Too soon for Saka
Whilst he is said to be making very good progress, this match arrives too early for Bukayo Saka to make his return. Sterling is unable to follow up his excellent performance midweek as he cannot face his former club. Havertz, Jesus and Tomiyasu are all long-term absentees.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli
Unavailable: Havertz (Injured), Jesus (Injured), Saka (Injured), Sterling (Ineligible), Tomiyasu (Injured)
Questionable:
Chelsea Team News: James to start following England recall
After being named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad on Friday, captain Reece James is likely to start for the Blues following his appearance off the bench against FC Copenhagen. Especially when taking into account that fellow full-back Malo Gusto is injured.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sancho, Palmer, Nkunku; Neto
Unavailable: Guiu (Injured), Jackson (Injured), Madueke (Injured), Mudryk (Suspended)
Questionable: Gusto (Injured), Kellyman (Fitness)
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction
Expect a tight contest between these two big rivals, but one of high quality. Chelsea will pose a big threat on the counter-attack through the pace of Sancho and Neto, not to mention the guile of Cole Palmer. But the latter has been out of form recently, which plays into Arsenal’s favour. It’s hard to see the Gunners not finding the net at least once, which would make it hard for Chelsea to match them when considering the strength of Arsenal’s backline.
With home advantage in their favour, backing Mikel Arteta and his players to edge past the Blues and picking up three important points is a move worth making in what should be a low-scoring battle, which sees under 3.5 goals overall.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Tip: Arsenal to win and under 3.5 goals
