Arsenal have won six and drawn two of their eight league games. Chelsea have lost only once.
The derby at the Emirates later today is the first of two games this weekend between teams in the top four. Liverpool host Manchester City tomorrow, so a win for either side here would put pressure on their rivals before that game kicks off.
Form and table
Arsenal lead the Premier League with 20 points and have the best defence in the division, with only five goals conceded in eight games. Their last league outing was a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham, and they come into the derby on a run of four wins in five.
Chelsea are fourth on 15 points, five behind the leaders. They beat Brighton 3-1 in the last round and have scored 14 league goals, a record built largely around the creativity of Cole Palmer.
The numbers suggest a contest between Arsenal’s defence and Chelsea’s attack. Arsenal have kept the ball away from their own box better than any other side, while Chelsea have shown they can score against good teams. Something will have to give at the Emirates.
| Premier League 2026-27 | Arsenal | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Position | 1st | 4th |
| Points | 20 | 15 |
| Won / drawn / lost | 6 / 2 / 0 | 4 / 3 / 1 |
| Goals scored | 17 | 14 |
| Goals conceded | 5 | 8 |
| Last result | 2-0 vs Fulham | 3-1 vs Brighton |
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal: the usual back four, with a decision on Bukayo Saka on the morning of the game. Chelsea: Cole Palmer behind the striker.
Arsenal
Saka has returned to full training after missing two games with a thigh problem, and the coaching staff will decide after the morning session whether he starts, comes off the bench or sits this one out. With a Champions League game against Benfica next week, the club are unlikely to take any risks.
The rest of the side picks itself. The back four that has conceded only five goals is expected to start again, and the midfield trio has been unchanged for most of the autumn. Arsenal have one other player out and no further doubts.
Chelsea
Chelsea have two players out but no fresh doubts. Palmer, with five goals and three assists, will play in his usual role behind the striker, where he has the freedom to drift into the half-spaces and link with the wingers.
The visitors are likely to keep the shape that worked against Brighton. Their coach has generally preferred continuity in big games, and there is little reason to change a team that scored three times in its last outing.
Chelsea’s main question is how they defend Arsenal’s wide areas. If Saka plays, the visitors’ left side will be tested repeatedly, and the coach may ask a midfielder to help out on that flank. If he does not, Chelsea can afford to push their full-backs a little higher.
Key battles
- Palmer against Arsenal’s holding midfielder: if Palmer finds space between the lines, Chelsea can hurt the league’s best defence.
- Arsenal’s wide players against Chelsea’s full-backs, especially if Saka is fit to start.
- Set pieces: Arsenal are among the most dangerous sides in the league from corners.
- The first goal: Arsenal have rarely trailed this season, and Chelsea will want to avoid chasing the game.
The game is likely to be decided in midfield. Arsenal like to control possession and push the opponent back, while Chelsea are comfortable letting the other team have the ball before breaking quickly through Palmer. The side that controls the tempo will probably control the result.
Discipline could matter too. London derbies are often physical, and an early booking for a defender or holding midfielder can change how a team approaches the rest of the game. Both coaches will want their players to stay composed in front of a full stadium, especially in the first half hour when the intensity tends to be highest.
Odds
The bookmakers make Arsenal favourites at home, with Chelsea the outsiders and the draw priced in between. Both teams to score is also short, which reflects Chelsea’s attacking threat even against a strong defence. Betting is for adults aged 18 and over, and no result is guaranteed.
Whatever the result, the derby will shape the top of the table before the Liverpool vs Manchester City game tomorrow. A home win would keep Arsenal top regardless of what happens at Anfield. A Chelsea win would close the gap to two points and turn the title race into a four-team contest.
