With Arsenal gunning for the Premier League title again this season, they visit London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in EPL action.
The Gunners will hope the international break helps them get healthy, with a number of players struggling with the workload of a full season but enjoying time away from their international team thanks to nagging concerns.
Despite the injuries, Arsenal sit level on points and goal difference with Tottenham atop the Premier League table, only back in second on goals scored. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester City prior to the international window has underlined their belief that they can win the title this season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are mired in 11th but have shown signs of a turnaround, winning their last two matches before the international break against Fulham and Burnley. Now, the Blues start a brutal stretch of games against Arsenal, Brentford, Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Manchester United that could make or break their season.
MORE: Is Liverpool vs. Everton the most one-sided derby in Europe?
Chelsea vs Arsenal match facts
- Date: Saturday, October 21
- Kickoff Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Location: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
- Official: Chris Kavanagh
- Last meeting: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea (May 2, 2023 | Premier League)
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Chelsea vs Arsenal prediction, odds
- Full-time result: Arsenal (5/4)
- Score prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal
The Gunners have clearly been the better side, and their biggest weakness — fitness — is being rectified thanks to the international break. It's possible that Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba all pass fit for this match after having the international break off.
In fact, it's Chelsea who are now amidst an injury crisis with Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Ben Chilwell, and Carney Chukwuemeka all struggling with fitness in some capacity.
With their best players getting close to returning, Arsenal should assert their dominance at Stamford Bridge.
| Chelsea win | Draw | Arsenal win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnSports (UK) | 11/5 | 12/5 | 5/4 | 3/4, 1/1 | 19/20, 17/20 |
Chelsea vs Arsenal: best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 goals
- Odds: 17/20 (BetOnSports)
While it's the case that these two teams are electric up front, there's plenty of reason to believe that they can actually defend better than their forwards can produce at the other end.
Chelsea and Arsenal are both in the top four of the league in goals conceded, with just 13 allowed combined (seven Premier League teams have shipped at least that many themselves). That's been a fair reflection of their defensive prowess, with both teams in the top four of the expected goals conceded table as well.
On the other hand, both sides have put up quality in front of goal, but not to the same level. Arsenal and Chelsea sit seventh and eighth in the expected goals department, and there's the added bonus that Chelsea in particular have struggled to finish their chances.
Chelsea vs Arsenal smart bet
- Pick: Arsenal to win to nil
- Odds: 3/1 (BetOnSports)
The Gunners should get their best players back in this match, particularly William Saliba who withdrew from France international duty this break but is expected to be fit to play this weekend.
As mentioned before, Chelsea have failed to finish their chances adequately this season, scoring just seven goals on 15.79 xG, and that's with the recent 4-1 win over Burnley before the break. Armando Broja has suffered another injury scare, but even if he is available, that alone won't get them chances against one of the league's best back lines.
