Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea host Arsenal in a London derby at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Blues saw an uplift in form before the international break with back-to-back Premier League wins but remain 11th, while Mikel Arteta’s men come off the back of a 1-0 win against champions Manchester City.

Here’s all you need to know about this Saturday’s London derby.

Chelsea vs Arsenal – Premier League Match Preview:

Form

Chelsea: DLWWW

The West London outfit were winless in the league during September, and failed to score in their three matches, as they lost by a single goal at home to Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and were held to a goalless stalemate away at Bournemouth.

Pochettino’s men have since seen an upturn in form having picked up back-to-back league wins for the first time since March, with a 2-0 win at Fulham and 4-1 win against Burnley at Turf Moor, as well as a win against Brighton in the EFL Cup.

Raheem yesterday btw. pic.twitter.com/8IQfIaYqgk

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 8, 2023

The Blues could be bolstered by club captain Reece James returning to the squad, who returns after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Marquee summer singing Christopher Nkunku is edging closer to a return, as is Ben Chilwell, while Cole Palmer, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson and Benoit Badiashile are all being assessed ahead of the fixture.

Arsenal: DWWLW

Mikel Arteta’s men haven’t hit the dizzying heights of last season so far this campaign with their performances, but have continued to pick up points and sit second in the Premier League, only behind North-London rivals Tottenham on goal difference.

Arteta recorded arguably his greatest league win to date last time out, with the apprentice finally getting one over former master Pep Guardiola in a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Emirates. Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected effort in the 87th minute was enough for all three points.

Together. From start to finish. pic.twitter.com/ZVbAy4PAz6

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 9, 2023

The Gunners have yet to taste defeat in the league after eight games, only dropping points in draws with Tottenham and Fulham, although they were defeated by French outfit Lens 2-1 in the Champions League.

Arsenal may be without star winger Bukayo Saka who did not travel with the England squad during the international break through injury. The 22-year-old has four goals and two assists this campaign.

Defender William Saliba is also being assessed after pulling out of the France squad with injury, as is Leandro Trossard, who has a thigh problem.

Last meeting

Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea, May 2nd 2023

When these two last met in May, Arsenal’s title aspirations hung by a thread, after they went four games without a win and surrendered top spot to Manchester City. Chelsea, meanwhile, were at an all time low under interim boss Frank Lampard following five successive losses.

A dominant Arsenal took the lead on 18 minutes, when captain Martin Odegaard smashed a strike into the top corner following a Granit Xhaka cross. The two midfielders combined for the second goal too, as Xhaka crossed from the left and the Norwegian applied the finish.

Gabriel Jesus got in on the act to make it three after just 34 minutes, as the Brazilian finished from a tight angle at the back post.

Noni Madueke scored a second-half consolation for the Blues, but defeat left them in 12th, while victory for Arsenal moved them momentarily back to the top of the Premier League.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher, Fernandez; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Jesus, Nketiah, Martinelli.

Who is the referee?

Chris Kavanagh.

Is Chelsea vs Arsenal on television?

UK and Ireland: Sky Sports Main Event.

USA: NBC.

What time is kickoff?

Saturday 21st October, 17:30 BST.

Odds

Chelsea – 21/10

Draw – 12/5

Arsenal – 13/10

Read: ‘Open race’ for Chelsea defender Chalobah

See also: Midfield Magicians: Mesut Ozil – The musician who always played the right note

Subscribe to our social channels:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

The post Chelsea vs Arsenal – Premier League Match Preview first appeared on The Football Faithful.