Can Chelsea Rise Up Against their London Rival Arsenal? | OneFootball

It’s going to be another huge London derby between two of the Premier League’s top teams on Saturday. Arsenal currently top the Premier League table while Chelsea are fighting for a top four finish. Irrespective of the league position, this is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in any Premier League season.

Recent Head-to-Head

Arsenal have met Chelsea three times this season: once in the league and twice in the EFL Cup semi-final. They won both legs of the EFL Cup, but drew at Stamford Bridge back on November 20, 2025. All three of those games were very tight, and few expect this fixture to be any different.

On paper, it looks like an easy fixture for Arsenal. History also shows that Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 games against Chelsea, winning eight and drawing three. Arsenal may have the edge over Chelsea, but the visitors know that the Gunners can’t afford to lose and concede the top spot in the league to Manchester City.

The Blues are coming off a poor run, having dropped four points from winning positions in two consecutive games. That makes this game much more important for their top-four race, bragging rights, and reclaiming the belief of their fans. Nothing would excite Chelsea fans more than a win over their most hated London rivals.

Key Stats

Arsenal’s home record in the Premier League this season is exceptionally strong. They have won 10 matches, drawn 2, and only lost 1 at the Emirates. The only team better is the one chasing them in the title race: Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are the second best away team in the Premier League this season. The World Champions’ 6 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses have earned them 22 points on the road. They have also scored an average of 1.9 goals per away game this season. They have only dropped two points from winning positions away from Stamford Bridge, compared to the 17 points they have dropped at home. This performance makes them the second most dangerous road team, tied with Aston Villa, and just behind Arsenal.

Key Matchups

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) vs Malo Gusto (Chelsea)

Normally Marc Cucurella, who’s one of the best left-backs in the league at stopping Bukayo Saka, would be starting here. But he’s out injured, and Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is expected to play Malo Gusto as left-back.

Considering Malo Gusto’s poor defensive performance in this exact spot in the Burnley game last week, it could be a weakness for Arsenal to exploit. Saka’s pace and creativity on the right should exploit any Chelsea defensive lapses, just like he did against Wolverhampton last week.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) vs Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)

This is one of the standout individual battles to watch in Sunday’s clash at the Emirates. Both are elite defensive midfielders, and their head-to-head duel often decides control in these high-stakes London derbies.

Under Mikel Arteta, Rice has evolved into a left-sided box-to-box No.8, blending defensive solidity with growing attacking threat. His four goals and assists bely just how essential his play is to the team.

Caicedo remains a classic right-sided holding No.6 for Chelsea — more destroyer-focused but with improving ball progression and occasional long-range strikes. Caicedo was red-carded in the first half when both teams met at Stamford Bridge earlier this season. Chelsea still managed to secure a 1-1 draw but many Chelsea fans believed they would have won if Caicedo had been on the pitch for the entire duration of the match.

Chelsea have the worst discipline record in the Premier League, having drawn five reds already. Chelsea players will need to be more disciplined away from home at the Emirates, which is set to be more hostile to them and their traveling supporters.

Takeaway

Arsenal are clear favorites with the bookies and oddsmakers, with predictions leaning toward a 2-1 or 3-1 Arsenal victory to maintain their title push. Chelsea need a big performance to upset the odds and keep their top-five hopes alive. They have done that before. It’s not an insurmountable task but it makes Sunday’s clash even more interesting.