Premier League leaders Arsenal face second-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in a key top-of-the-table matchup. Cole Palmer is set to return for the hosts after injury, while Mikel Arteta's side eyes a win to extend their lead. Both teams enter in strong form following midweek Champions League victories.
The Premier League's top two sides, Arsenal and Chelsea, meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with kick-off at 16:30 GMT. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, lead the table and could move seven points clear with a victory. Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca since June 2024, sit second and have won their last two matches, including a 3-0 Champions League triumph over Barcelona on Tuesday, where 18-year-old Estevao and Liam Delap scored, the latter netting his first goal in the competition.
Arteta praised midfielder Mikel Merino's recent form as a makeshift forward amid attacking injuries. Merino scored twice in Arsenal's 3-0 win at Slavia Prague on November 4 and contributed in their 3-1 home victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday. "He could have scored two goals the other night," Arteta said. "He brings other things to the table: his intelligence, the way he competes."
For Chelsea, playmaker Cole Palmer is available after recovering from a broken toe sustained at home last week, having missed recent games including the Barcelona win. The 23-year-old England international, who scored 22 Premier League goals in his debut season and 15 last term, could start. Maresca called him "our best player" and noted he can play alongside Estevao, who scored against Barcelona.
Arsenal injury updates include Viktor Gyokeres (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee) close to returns, with Leandro Trossard a doubt after substitution against Bayern. Gabriel Jesus is back in training after 11 months out with a knee issue, but defender Gabriel remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Chelsea will miss Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo due to injuries.
Stats highlight the stakes: Chelsea have netted first in 12 straight matches and unbeaten in eight London derbies, but lost 1-0 to Arsenal in March when Merino scored. Arsenal are unbeaten in six league visits to Chelsea and lead the division with 10 set-piece goals. Arteta dismissed talk of a 'statement win,' saying, "We just live in the present and make the best possible preparation to try to be better than them and win the game."
Predicted lineups suggest a tactical battle: Chelsea with Sanchez in goal, Palmer in attack; Arsenal featuring Raya, Saka, and Merino upfront.
