TWO of London's biggest club's clash in a blockbuster as both Arsenal and Chelsea look to aid solidify their charge for Champions League football.
In recent weeks, Mikel Arteta's men have gradually slipped out of title contention and into a race for Champions League football.
The Gunners dropped points has allowed closest contenders Nottingham Forest to close the gap between the sides to four points, with today's opponents Chelsea lurking in fourth.
The Blues are part of a six-strong pack that are looking to secure passage into Europe's elite club competition next season via fourth or the increasingly likely fifth.
Kick-off: 1.30pm GMT
TV channel: Sky Sports
Arsenal XI: To follow...
Chelsea XI: To follow...
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Arsenal vs Chelsea line-ups - NO Palmer
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Martinelli, Merino, Trossard.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Enzo, Sancho, Nkunku.
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Last time out
The November encounter was a tense one as Pedro Neto strike from distance cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli's opener.
At the time, it signalled a shift in the seriousness of how Chelsea’s project was perceived, with some even considering the Blues title contenders, though that wouldn't come to bear much truth.
It could also be said that it was the period when Arsenal’s league campaign started to unravel—losing to Newcastle the week before and Bournemouth a few weeks before that.
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Super Sunday
Afternoon and welcome to the first installment of a Super Sunday of football.
Whilst, Liverpool and Newcastle United will contest the first Wembley showpiece of the year, the blockbuster action starts here at the Emirates.
The game was originally planned for Saturday but was switched to Sunday due to European commitments for both Arsenal and Chelsea. Nonetheless, it adds that bit more intrigue.
The Gunners' up-and-down scoring results make discourse around the impending acquisition of a big name striker go from one extreme to another.
The same can be said for their West London neighbours, who used to be able to usher centre-forward concerns by the brilliance of Cole Palmer, but his cold form has heightened appreciation for Nicolas Jackson aswell as the need for more senior presence in the summer.
There will likely be no title race in London this season, but the Champions League provides motivation—for both teams—qualifying is imperative and today provides a big opportunity to do so. Kick off at 1.30pm GMT. Team news to come.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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