Chelsea vs Arsenal predictions: Blues to continue for the Gunners
- Arsenal have scored in their last six visits to Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea have scored in nine successive Premier League games
- Recommended bet: Chelsea to win and both teams to score
Arsenal were billed as major title contenders this season, while Enzo Maresca was generally perceived to have a rebuilding job as he took over the reins at Chelsea.
His Blues side welcome Mikel Arteta and Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, with Chelsea edging the Gunners on goal difference in the Premier League table after 10 games.
Arsenal have suffered three defeats and a draw in their last six games in all competitions and are facing a home outfit seemingly growing in confidence all the time.
Team news
Maresca has been coy on the fitness of Cole Palmer. He is not part of the Conference League squad and was always going to miss Thursday's hammering of minnows FC Noah.
He took a knock in the draw with Manchester United on Sunday last but is expected to be fit for this assignment.
Omari Kellyman (hamstring) is out, while Jadon Sancho is to be assessed, but otherwise the Blues boss has a full complement.
Declan Rice is a potential Arsenal absentee with a foot problem. Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are sidelined, while the terms of Raheem Sterling's loan move between these London rivals will consign him to the stands.
However, the possible return of skipper and key midfielder Martin Odegaard to the starting XI will be a major boost.
The stats
Arsenal have scored in their last six trips to Stamford Bridge and both teams have scored in four of those six games.
The Gunners have only won two of their six most recent games in all competitions.
Arsenal have had more red cards (three) this season than any Premier League rival entering this weekend.
Arsenal have won five of their last six matches against Chelsea in all competitions.
Chelsea's 38 bookings was the highest tally in the Premier League entering the weekend.
Prediction
The Blues do not have a great home record against Arsenal recently, having lost three and drawn two of the last five league games between the pair at Stamford Bridge.
However, this may be a presentable opportunity to get one over on the Gunners, especially if Rice misses out.
Arsenal have only managed one win in their last six on the road, and that came at Preston in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea have lost just one of nine games recently, a slender reverse at league leaders Liverpool.
The Maresca rebuild is ahead of schedule and they can emphasise that by taking care of an out of sorts Arsenal in what should be an entertaining tussle.
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