Arsenal and Chelsea face off again on Sundayplaceholder image
Arsenal and Chelsea face off again on Sunday | Getty Images
A look at the pundit predictions for the London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea this weekend.
Arsenal and Chelsea face off in the Premier League game of the weekend this Sunday, and for the fourth time this season. The two sides played out a closely-run Carabao Cup semi-final double-header recently, and they will now face off again in the Premier League.
The Gunners come into this one looking to protect their five-point lead at the top of the table, while Chelsea are looking to close the three-point gap that now sits between themselves and the top four after back-to-back draws against struggling sides.
Ahead of another mouth-watering London derby, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Chris Sutton
“Arsenal have got to be careful they don't warm up in the Chelsea half again, for starters. If I was playing in this game, I'd do it deliberately! In terms of the game, I can't see anything other than a Gunners win.
“Chelsea can cause Arsenal a few problems because they have got players who can hurt anyone but, at the other end, I don't see Liam Rosenior's side keeping a clean sheet. I liked the way Arsenal responded to their setback against Wolves by battering Spurs. Chelsea don't like them much either, but this is going to end up with the same result. Prediction: 2-0.”
Paul Merson
“Massive game. We saw in the Carabao Cup how Chelsea parked the bus. I think Chelsea can't afford to do that again. They have to go for it in this one. If Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United win like I predicted, Chelsea are under serious pressure.
“Chelsea let in a goal every week without fail! It was a really bad result against Burnley last weekend. I expect Chelsea to be a threat but I can't see them keeping a clean sheet in this game. Apart from one or two winnable games, all of the upcoming fixtures till the end of the season will be a huge challenge for Chelsea.
“Arsenal should go with Eberechi Eze in this game. He scored twice in the derby, so I can't see it being any other way. Barring the Manchester United game, Arsenal are still unbeaten at home. But this is still a tough game for them because they have to come out and win this. They didn't have to do that in the second leg of the cup game at the Emirates! If Leeds beat City, Arsenal have a free hit here. Otherwise, they must not lose. I believe they will just edge Chelsea and secure three points. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea.”
Continue Reading