Arsenal make the short trip across London on Sunday looking to tighten their grip at the top of the Premier League table, and recent history suggests they can do just that. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six league visits to Stamford Bridge (W3, D3) and they look well placed to extend that sequence against a Chelsea side who remain a little unpredictable under Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s 3-0 midweek demolition of Barcelona was impressive, but Arsenal are a very different proposition. Mikel Arteta’s men are far more controlled without the ball, rarely over-commit their full-backs away from home and have conceded just six league goals all season. Their underlying numbers back that up too, with an expected goals against figure that is tracking well below last year’s league-best mark.
Gunners can edge another statement win
Arsenal have already shown they can manage big away occasions, while Chelsea’s home league form still raises questions – the Blues have lost two of their last four at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League and can be vulnerable when teams press their build-up aggressively.
With Arsenal winning four of their six away league games so far and possessing far more stability from back to front, the visitors look the value call in the match odds.
Prediction 1 – Arsenal to win
Tip: Arsenal to win
Odds: 6/5
Tight scoreline expected in cagey derby
London derbies at the top end of the table are rarely wide-open shootouts and this could be another decided by fine margins. Arsenal are happy to control territory and tempo, while Chelsea’s improved defensive shape has delivered four clean sheets in their last five in all competitions.
Even so, the hosts have enough attacking quality to land a punch, especially if Cole Palmer returns to the XI and drifts into pockets behind the Arsenal midfield. A narrow away success looks a realistic fit.
Prediction 2 – Correct score
Tip: Arsenal to win 2-1
Odds: 9/1
Saka the man for the big occasion
Arsenal have spread the goals around this season, but Bukayo Saka remains their main threat in marquee games. The England winger has registered multiple shots in four of his last five league outings and scored in their recent 2-2 draw at Sunderland. He relishes these stages and will fancy his chances attacking Chelsea’s left side.
With penalties also in his locker, backing him to find the net again makes plenty of appeal.
Prediction 3 – Anytime goalscorer
Tip: Bukayo Saka to score anytime
Odds: 23/10
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