In a much-anticipated clash of London rivals, Chelsea is set to play host to Arsenal on Saturday evening, with both teams harboring specific ambitions. Chelsea, under the managerial guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, seeks to break a recent streak of misfortune against the Gunners. The Blues have encountered difficulty in their last six Premier League encounters with Arsenal, falling victim to defeat in five of those, including both fixtures in the 2022/23 season. Significantly, Chelsea has not tasted victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge since August 2018.
Despite a challenging start to the current season, Chelsea appears to be on the path to resurgence, evident in their back-to-back wins against Fulham and Burnley leading up to the international break.
Arsenal, on the other hand, arrives at Stamford Bridge brimming with confidence, having sustained an undefeated record in the Premier League alongside Tottenham Hotspur. As it stands, they claim the second position in the league table.
Notable player absences for Chelsea include striker Armando Broja, although the potential involvement of Benoit Badiashile remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are expected to be available for selection after fulfilling their international duties in South America.
Arsenal, too, faces last-minute evaluations for the inclusion of key players such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard, adding an element of suspense to the highly anticipated encounter.