A massive London derby closes out Premier League gameweek 13 as Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in a highly anticipated 4.30pm kickoff. Both sides arrive brimming with confidence, having secured impressive Champions League wins, with Chelsea dismantling Barcelona 3-0 and Arsenal defeating Bayern Munich 3-1.
While the fixture is billed as a top-of-the-table clash, Chelsea may no longer occupy second place before kickoff, with Manchester City trailing by just one point hosting Leeds United on Saturday. Despite a shaky start to the season that raised brief questions over Enzo Maresca’s future, the Italian has overseen a remarkable turnaround. The Blues have won nine of their last 11 matches across all competitions, including victories in their last three Premier League outings.
Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all fallen to Chelsea without scoring, and a 10-man Barcelona were similarly dismantled on Tuesday when Hansi Flick’s high defensive line was ruthlessly exposed.
Chelsea’s form at home, however, remains a concern. They have collected just under 44% of their Premier League points at Stamford Bridge this term, a lower share than all teams except Tottenham. They are yet to win consecutive home league matches this season, failing to take maximum points against Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Sunderland. Their recent 3-0 success over Wolves may not necessarily signal a shift in fortunes at the Bridge.
Arsenal responded to Chelsea’s European heroics with their own stunning victory over Bayern Munich, maintaining a perfect record in the Champions League with five wins from five. Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli all scored in North London, leaving the Bundesliga champions comprehensively beaten and effectively sealing the Gunners’ place in the last 16.
Arsenal’s dominant start to the post-international period continued with a 4-1 demolition of Tottenham, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League. A victory at Stamford Bridge could see their advantage rise to nine points, though with December still to come, the title remains far from certain.
Stamford Bridge has not been a fortress for Arsenal in recent memory, yet they have avoided defeat there in the Premier League since August 2021 and are unbeaten in seven meetings with Chelsea overall. Historically, the Gunners have won all four league matches at the Bridge while leading the Premier League, but in clashes of this magnitude, past records and head-to-heads often count for little.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Chelsea manager Maresca delivered one of the most significant injury updates of the week, confirming that Cole Palmer, sidelined since September 20 with groin and toe issues, is fit to play. While Maresca suggested Palmer could start, a place on the bench is more likely for the attacking midfielder, who has been out for over two months. Dario Essugo is in a similar position after recovering from a thigh operation.
With Palmer and Essugo back, Levi Colwill (ACL) and Romeo Lavia (thigh) remain the only injury absentees for the hosts ahead of the derby. Former Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to miss out due to his provisional doping suspension.
For Arsenal, Leandro Trossard is a minor concern after leaving the field with a muscular issue against Bayern Munich, though Arteta is confident the injury is not serious. Martinelli and Madueke, both recently recovered, are strong alternatives to Trossard, with Martinelli likely to start on the left flank.
When asked about Viktor Gyokeres (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee), Arteta remained non-committal, saying both players would be assessed ahead of the game. Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Gabriel Jesus (fitness) are confirmed absentees, though Jesus recently participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly without issues.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
