Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League title and can take one step closer to doing that away to Chelsea still with over 20 games to play
10:21, 28 Nov 2025
Arsenal have been told they can end the Premier League title race with a win over Chelsea this weekend
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Arsenal have been told they can end the Premier League title race with a win over Chelsea this weekend(Image: (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images))
Paul Merson believes that Arsenal beating Chelsea this weekend will end the Premier League title race. The Gunners can go nine points clear of their London rivals with a victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but third-placed Manchester City can close the gap 24 hours earlier by beating Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta's side have been in exceptional form this season with just one defeat in all competitions and only seven goals conceded. The Blues are also firing at the moment and are fresh off a dominant 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League.
Despite that, Merson cannot see Chelsea beating Arsenal but his score prediction suggests he does expect the title race to remain alive for at least another week.
He wrote in his Sportskeeda column: "If Arsenal win, the title race is over! I expect Manchester City to win this weekend, but even then, a win for Arsenal puts everything to bed.
"I saw Chelsea against Barcelona and they completely blew Hansi Flick's team away even before the red card to Ronald Araujo. Arsenal also beat Bayern Munich quite comfortably, with their second half performance being mind-blowing!
"I don't think Enzo Maresca needs to win this game. His objective is to finish in the top four and have a cup run this season. If Chelsea win this game, they automatically become title contenders. Then the expectations from this team changes and I'm not sure it will suit them.
"We saw how Chelsea were front-runners around December last season and they suddenly fell off.
Declan Rice will lock horns with Moises Caicedo as Arsenal take on Chelsea
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Declan Rice will lock horns with Moises Caicedo as Arsenal take on Chelsea(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
"So can Chelsea beat Arsenal? I don't think so. I'm a Chelsea fan and I watch this team all the time. I just don't think Arsenal will lose this game. Chelsea have a very young team and are always up and down in terms of result. I don't believe Chelsea have the experience to win a league title just yet.
"This game will also witness the battle of Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, two of the best midfielders in the world. I can't wait to watch that battle! It will also be interesting to see what team Maresca will play.
"Could he be tempted into using a false nine like he did against Barcelona? Arsenal are better at the back, but I just think Chelsea can get a point.
"Merson's prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal."
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A 1-1 draw, which was the exact score line of this fixture last season, would suit both teams as Chelsea would undoubtedly strengthen their grip on a top-four finish while Arsenal will have not suffered a direct blow from a potential title rival.
With arguably easier fixtures to come against Brentford, Everton, Wolves and Brighton, a point would be a good result for Arteta's side.