“I expect” – Paul Merson makes his prediction for “massive” Arsenal vs Chelsea clash | OneFootball

“I expect” – Paul Merson makes his prediction for “massive” Arsenal vs Chelsea clash | OneFootball

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·27 February 2026

“I expect” – Paul Merson makes his prediction for “massive” Arsenal vs Chelsea clash

Article image:“I expect” – Paul Merson makes his prediction for “massive” Arsenal vs Chelsea clash

Chelsea take on Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon in a huge London derby, and Paul Merson has given his prediction.

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The Blues have drawn their last two Premier League games against Leeds and Burnley, and ideally need to get something out of this game.

It will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with the Premier league game finishing 1-1 at Stamford Bridge, and Arsenal winning both legs of the Carabao Cup semi final.

Paul Merson makes Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea’s last win against Arsenal came at The Emirates back in 2021, and a win would not only hurt their rivals title chances, it would also give their hopes of Champions League qualification a huge boost.

The Blues are set be without Marc Cucurella, whilst Wesley Fofana is suspended after being sent off against Burnley.

Article image:“I expect” – Paul Merson makes his prediction for “massive” Arsenal vs Chelsea clash

Chelsea haven’t beaten Arsenal since 2021. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Estevao remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, and the Blues will no doubt be up against it on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea showed under Enzo Maresca they were competitive in the big games, but it remains to be seen if it.s the same with Liam Rosenior, and Merson has given his prediction.

“Massive game. We saw in the Carabao Cup how Chelsea parked the bus,” he told Sportskeeda.

“I think Chelsea can’t afford to do that again. They have to go for it in this one. If Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United win like I predicted, Chelsea are under serious pressure.

“Chelsea let in a goal every week without fail! It was a really bad result against Burnley last weekend. I expect Chelsea to be a threat but I can’t see them keeping a clean sheet in this game.”

Liam Rosenior faces tough run of fixtures

After coming through a move favourable run of fixtures with four wins and two draws, the Blues face a tough run, something Merson was keen to point out.

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“Apart from one or two winnable games, all of the upcoming fixtures till the end of the season will be a huge challenge for Chelsea,” he added.

“If Leeds beat City, Arsenal have a free hit here. Otherwise, they must not lose. I believe they will just edge Chelsea and secure three points.

“Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea.”

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

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