Chelsea will take on Arsenal on the 1st of March at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea travel to the Emirates on Sunday desperate to protect their place in the top five as the race for Champions League qualification intensifies. The Blues are winless in their last 10 meetings with Arsenal in all competitions, a run stretching back to August 2021.
Following back-to-back draws against Leeds United and Burnley at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League table with 45 points from 27 games. Four points dropped has opened the door for Liverpool, who are now level on points with Liam Rosenior’s side. Manchester United and Aston Villa occupy third and fourth ahead of the Blues, meaning Chelsea are vulnerable to slipping out of the Champions League places entirely. Arsenal are the only side to beat Rosenior since he took over at Chelsea, knocking the Blues out of the Carabao Cup after a two-legged semi-final victory earlier this year.
Their opponents, Arsenal, sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches. The Gunners bounced back from dropping points against Wolves with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham last weekend. That result restored their five-point lead over Manchester City, though that gap could be reduced to just two points if City win at Leeds on Saturday evening. Mikel Arteta’s side have the best goal difference in the league.
That said, here is how Chelsea could lineup against Arsenal.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs. Arsenal
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Filip Jorgensen remains sidelined after picking up an injury against Pafos last month. The Spaniard continues between the sticks despite questions over his consistency.
Defence: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Malo Gusto
Marc Cucurella’s absence is set to continue following a hamstring injury sustained against Burnley. Wesley Fofana is suspended after he was sent off last week against Burnley. Reece James is expected to start at right-back after he was taken off against Burnley as a precaution. Rosenior confirmed James should be absolutely fine and that he needs the captain for Arsenal. Chalobah partners Tosin at centre-back with Gusto continuing at left-back. Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee as he continues his recovery from a severe knee injury.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos
Caicedo provides defensive stability while Andrey Santos has been starting games of late for the Blues. He will take up Enzo Fernández’s position, who might possibly play in an advanced role.
Attack: Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has hit form under Rosenior with 11 Premier League goals this season, including three in his last four league starts. Pedro Neto should start on the left wing with Palmer probably on the right. Enzo is expected to play behind Joao Pedro in an advanced role.