Arsenal is set to clash with Chelsea in a vital London derby at the Emirates Stadium. With both teams facing pressure, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Arsenal seeks to solidify their title ambitions while Chelsea aims for Champions League qualification.
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Arsenal is set to face Chelsea in another thrilling London derby this Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, following their impressive victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s team rebounded from concerns about a potential title ‘wobble’ with a commanding 4-1 win against Spurs in Igor Tudor’s debut match. By the time Arsenal steps onto the pitch, they could find themselves just two points behind Manchester City, making a positive outcome against Chelsea even more crucial.
Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s manager, expressed disappointment after his team squandered leads against Leeds and Burnley, feeling they ‘set fire to four points.’ Chelsea has dropped to fifth place, trailing Manchester United, and they not only aim to disrupt Arsenal’s title ambitions but also need points to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
The last encounter between these two teams was in the Carabao Cup semifinal, where Arsenal triumphed with a 4-2 aggregate score over two tightly contested matches.
How to watch:
The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League in the UK, NBC/Peacock in the U.S., JioHotstar in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. Live updates will also be available through ESPN.
Key Details:
- Kick-off time: Sunday, March 01 at 4:30 p.m. GMT (11:30 a.m. ET; 10 p.m. IST; 2:30 a.m. AEST, Monday).
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London.
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: John Brooks
Injury and Team News:
Arsenal:
- Max Dowman, M: OUT, ankle, estimated return early March
- Mikel Merino, M: OUT, foot, estimated return late May
- Ben White, D: DOUBT, knock
- Kai Havertz, F: DOUBT, muscle
Chelsea:
- Reece James, D: knock, DOUBT
- Jamie Gittens, F: muscle, OUT, estimated return late March
- Romeo Lavia, M: thigh, DOUBT, back in training
- Dário Essugo, M: muscle, DOUBT, back in training
- Marc Cucurella, D: hamstring, OUT, estimated return mid March
- Levi Colwill, D: ACL, OUT, estimated return late April
- Mykhailo Mudryk, F: suspended, OUT
- Wesley Fofana, D: suspended, OUT
- Filip Jørgensen, GK: knock, DOUBT
- Estêvão, F: knock, DOUBT
Talking Points:
Are Arsenal back on track in the title race?
With their 4-1 victory over Tottenham, Arsenal has increased their lead over Manchester City to five points. The performance showcased a significant improvement from the team that previously dropped points against Wolves, as they displayed a more aggressive approach, continuing to push for goals rather than sitting back.
Despite recent defensive vulnerabilities, the week’s rest may have allowed Arsenal to recover from the fatigue of a packed schedule. Their title challenge has been built on a solid defense and effective set-pieces, both of which have seen a decline recently. Knowing they can adapt their style to play more freely should ease some concerns as they approach the final stretch of the season. However, with Manchester City in top form, Arsenal understands the importance of maintaining their momentum.
How will Liam Rosenior set up tactically?
Liam Rosenior faced criticism for his tactics in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Arsenal, where he opted for a defensive setup despite needing a goal. This allowed Arsenal to exploit the situation late in the match.
While Chelsea has the highest expected goals (xG) in the league at 52.3, they have struggled to convert those chances. With key players like Wesley Fofana suspended and Reece James uncertain, Rosenior may need to adjust his strategy. An attacking approach could be beneficial, especially considering Arsenal’s defensive record, which has seen 44% of their goals conceded come from individual errors.
Viktor Gyökeres faces a test of his momentum
Viktor Gyökeres has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions. His recent performance against Tottenham was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to dominate defenders. However, Chelsea’s defense, featuring Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo, will present a tougher challenge.
With Kai Havertz potentially returning, Arteta may consider a striker with better hold-up play. Nevertheless, Gyökeres’s current form, with 10 goal contributions in 2026, suggests he should remain a key figure in the lineup.
Chelsea’s discipline and composure in the spotlight ahead of tough fixtures
Chelsea has dropped 19 points from winning positions this season, the second-worst record in the league. Their discipline has also been a concern, with eight red cards this season, the highest in the Premier League.
Facing Arsenal, a team they often struggle against, Rosenior must instill composure in his players, especially with a challenging schedule ahead. Following the Arsenal match, Chelsea will face teams like Aston Villa, PSG, and Manchester United, making this game pivotal for their season.
Arsenal hold the upper hand in recent history
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has lost only two of their last sixteen encounters against Chelsea, with a record of 10 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses. Although they drew 1-1 in the earlier fixture this season, Arsenal has won their last three home games against Chelsea and remains unbeaten in their last eight meetings.
While Chelsea will be eager to break their winless streak against Arsenal, they will need to elevate their performance to secure a victory.
