Arsenal vs Chelsea: Preview & Prediction

The late kick-off on Saturday plays host to a cracking fixture at the Emirates as Arsenal look to build upon their impressive set of wins against Southampton and Hull City, while Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from their home defeat last week to the hands of fellow Champions League chasers Liverpool.

Arsene Wenger will be impressed as to how his new signings Granit Xhaka and Lucas Perez have settled into life at Arsenal, as both have showed early signs of contributing the much needed midfield steel and attacking guile that has been desperately lacking in the last few campaigns.

Similarly, fellow new addition Shkodran Mustafi has eased into the back four and it appears that there are signs of a solid partnership with long-serving Frenchman Laurent Koscielny.

Chelsea approach this fixture in need of a confidence boost after a below-par performance against Liverpool last Friday at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Antonio Conte will be hopeful that Diego Costa can add another goal to his already increasing tally to make the difference, alongside fellow key player Eden Hazard, who always has the potential to be a match-winner on his day.

Blues fans will be curious to see if their defence can keep it tight at the back on Saturday, as early signs indicate the new addition of David Luiz is still finding his feet with new partner Gary Cahill, which could be something for the Gunners to take advantage of.

Brazil international, Luiz, is back at Chelsea following his £34m move back from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Team News:

Per Mertesacker and Aaron Ramsey are still sidelined with long-term injury concerns for the hosts, while Oliver Giroud could miss the match as he is still recovering from a knock.

There are no major injury concerns for the Blues, as Conte looks to have a fully fit squad to pick from for Saturday’s encounter at the Emirates.

League Positions: Arsenal – 4th (10pts); Chelsea – 5th (10pts)
Last Meeting: Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea (January 24, 2016)
Form: Arsenal – LDWWW; Chelsea – WWWDL
Key Men: Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez; Chelsea – Diego Costa
Shoot Says: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea