Chelsea vs Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Live Stats – Round 11 of the Premier League
Chelsea vs Arsenal is the blockbuster fixture of this round of the Premier League. Arsenal desperately needs a win in this one, as last week they dropped three points and sank deeper into the table. Fortunately for them, Manchester City dropped points as well, but Liverpool is running full steam ahead. Enzo Maresca admitted that, at the moment, Chelsea cannot go after the title against Arsenal or Manchester City. But this does not mean they will just lie down without a fight.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Live Stats
Follow real-time stats for Chelsea vs Arsenal, including the main events and lineups! The data is updated every minute!
Form, Standings and Head to Head
The two sides have identical records in this season of the Premier League. Both won 5 games, drew 3 and conceded 2 games. This gets them 18 points so far, but Chelsea sits one spot higher on the table thanks to their goal difference. Chelsea has a GD of +8 while Arsenal’s is +6.
Their form is distinct, though. Arsenal has not won a game in the last three rounds, and they lost against Newcastle and Bournemouth. They also come off a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Chelsea comes off a draw against Manchester United, a win against Newcastle and a loss to Liverpool.
Historically, the two teams met 76 times since 1995 and their record is close, with Chelsea winning 26 and Arsenal 28. But looking at their recent games, we see Arsenal has not lost in the last 6 consecutive games.
Set Pieces, Counters, and Stars in Doubt
Statistically, the two teams are similar. Although Chelsea has been better in terms of possession, with an average of 55% compared to Arsenal’s 49%, The Gunners have been without Martin Odegaard. Yet this might change. Odegaard has played his first minutes since injured against Inter Milan. Although we do not know yet if he will play against Chelsea, he might get some minutes in the second half. Another important potential absence for Arsenal is Declan Rice. If he also can not start, then Enzo Maresca will receive an enormous boost, as Arsenal’s midfield will be more shaky.
Arsenal is not the only one worried about injuries in this fixture. Chelsea’s star Cole Palmer is a doubt, as he picked up an injury against Manchester United. Chelsea excels at creating chances through individual skill, so this might be a tremendous concern for The Blues. This is not the only weapon Chelsea has at its disposal. They are one of the best counter attacking teams in the league. Four out of Chelsea’s 20 goals came from a counterattack and they generate an average of 1,4 shots per game through counters.
But Chelsea needs to watch out for Arsenal’s set pieces and for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. If we look at their recent lineups, Reece James will need to step up and not allow space for Saka. The winger has 10 goals plus assists in the Premier League and is Arsenal’s major offensive outlet. Chelsea also needs to be more careful. They usually foul in dangerous areas. They have conceded three penalties so far, and Robert Sanchez had two errors leading to goals.
With both teams managing injuries to key players, this matchup could come down to which side better leverages its remaining strengths.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Predictions
This is a tight contest. The OPTA Supercomputer gives the two teams more or less equal chances to emerge victorious. Chelsea with 34,4% and Arsenal with 39,2%. Mikel Arteta believe Arsenal will get a win if they produce the same performance as they did against Inter Milan. We do not know if this will be true, but here are some predictions and tips for this game:
Both Teams to score or over 2,5: Four out of the last 5 games between the two ended with over 2,5 goals. Chelsea has one of the best offenses in the league, with 20 goals and Arsenal is not far behind with 17.
Over 4,5 yellow cards: The rivalry between the two teams is there. And Chelsea has the most yellow cards in the Premier League, with 38. Also, 4 of their 5 last games ended with over 4,5 yellow cards. And Arsenal also averages 2,4 yellow cards per game, not to mention the two second yellow cards they got this season.
Bold Choice – Bukayo Saka to Score or Assist: Bukayo Saka is ranked 4th in the Premier League for goals and assists with 10. Cole Palmer has 12, but we do not know if he plays or how many minutes he gets. Saka has been reliable and delivered for Arsenal, and there is no reason he would not do it again.
