Leading pundits and former players, including Ian Wright and Gary Cahill, make their predictions as Arsenal host Chelsea
Arsenal have an excellent recent record against Chelsea(Image: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea will be aiming to disrupt Arsenal’s title challenge when the London rivals lock horns on Sunday.
The Gunners had been struggling before last weekend’s 4-1 demolition of struggling Tottenham. Mikel Arteta’s men face another London derby against a Blues outfit pursuing Champions League qualification under their latest boss, Liam Rosenior.
While Chelsea once dominated this fixture, recent years have seen the tables turn dramatically. The Blues haven’t secured a win in their last eight Premier League encounters with the Gunners, with three draws and five losses.
Arteta has no new injury worries and is hopeful that Max Dowman could rejoin the senior squad, while Kai Havertz will undergo a late fitness test. Reece James is available for Chelsea, though Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Marc Cucurella remain sidelined.
Romeo Lavia featured in a training match during the week and may be involved. Here’s what seven leading pundits and former players from both sides are predicting ahead of the derby….
Ian Wright – 3-1
“I’m going to go 3-1. We’re going to murder them.”
Wright is feeling confident(Image: Getty Images)
Chris Sutton – 2-0
“Arsenal will have too much nous for them and I actually think they will win pretty comfortably. I don’t see them, or anyone else, pushing Arsenal close in the title race.”
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Paul Merson – 1-0
“Chelsea let in a goal every week without fail! I expect Chelsea to be a threat, but I can’t see them keeping a clean sheet,” said the ex-Gunner in his Sportskeeda prediction column.
Paul Merson expects his former club to get the job done(Image: Getty Images)
Alan Smith – 2-1
“I’ve got Arsenal to win 2-1. It’ll be interesting to gauge where Chelsea are at. I don’t see them as title contenders, but who knows?”
Gary Cahill – 1-2
“I’ve got to back the boys. I think Chelsea will win 2-1 against Arsenal this weekend. They turn up against the big teams,” the former Chelsea defender told Sky Bet.
Gary Cahill thinks Chelsea can spring a surprise(Image: Getty Images)
Paul Scholes – 0-0
“I fancy Chelsea. I think it could be 0-0. I think it will be a draw or a Chelsea win.”
Roy Keane – Arsenal win
“They will do something silly and get a man sent off again. Chelsea will do something daft, you watch.”