Chelsea v Arsenal: England Premier League preview

Chelsea and Arsenal will be battling to stay in the Premier League title race when they clash at Stamford Bridge in the early hours of Monday morning.

Before a ball is kicked this weekend the Blues sit in fourth spot on the ladder, Arsenal in fifth, with the two sides locked together on 18 points.

They are both seven points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and it is fair to say that whoever loses this clash could almost be ruled out of the title race even at this early stage of the season.

That would be a disaster for Arsenal, who were billed as genuine title contenders heading into the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Chelsea not so much and a place in the top four and Champions League football would have been the initial aim under new boss Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea v Arsenal betting preview

Blues hoping for Palmer boost

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Cole Palmer and will be praying he gets the all-clear to take his place in the side.

Palmer has been a revelation so far this season when scoring seven goals and chipping in with another five assists, so it goes without saying he is key for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson is also going well with six goals, so the hosts have the firepower to hurt the Gunners.

They have struggled to keep clean sheets, however, conceding in each of the last six Premier League home games, so will be keen to tighten up.

The Blues will also be determined to pick up a rare win over the Gunners at the Bridge, after losing three and drawing two of the last five meetings at their home.

They have also won just once in the last 10 meetings between the two side in all competitions.

Gunners in need of a boost

Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United in their last Premier League game, Mikel Arteta's men are in need of a boost to get back on track.

They had nine more points on the board this time last season and are in danger of falling out of the title race altogether.

Conceding the first goal has been an issue for them and it is important they try to keep Chelsea quiet early on in the game.

They have scored the last seven goals in the fixture and need to make sure they get the eighth to give them a chance of getting the win.

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of England midfielder Declan Rice (toe) and Germany forward Kai Havertz (head), but there is good news regarding skipper Martin Odegaard, who is back to full fitness and in contention for a major role.

Chelsea v Arsenal odds

Chelsea - 2.70
Draw - 3.40
Arsenal - 2.55

View the full market and more odds for Chelsea v Arsenal on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.