Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
Arsenal welcome Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League and extend their dominance in London derbies.
The Gunners enter the weekend buoyed by an emphatic 4–1 victory over arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, a result that restored their five-point advantage at the summit. However, following Manchester City’s narrow 1–0 victory over Leeds United on Saturday, the Gunners enter this match with their lead cut to just two points, making a victory essential to keep their title destiny firmly in their own hands.
Chelsea, meanwhile, travel across the capital, currently sitting in fifth place, three points shy of fourth-placed Manchester United. Under the guidance of manager Liam Rosenior, the Blues have remained unbeaten in the top flight, but they arrive at the Emirates following a frustrating 1–1 draw with Burnley. Despite their improved away form, Chelsea face a significant historical hurdle, having failed to beat Arsenal in their last eight Premier League meetings.
Arsenal vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
- Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: John Brooks
- Last Meeting: Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea (3 Feb 2026), League Cup
Team News
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns following the victory at Tottenham. Bukayo Saka is expected to be fit despite an ankle scare late in the North London derby, while Kai Havertz is due to train on Saturday and could return to the squad. Viktor Gyökeres continues to lead the line in clinical form, having scored eight goals in his last 12 appearances. However, Ben White remains a doubt with a minor knock.
Chelsea
Liam Rosenior faces a defensive selection headache with Wesley Fofana suspended after being sent off against Burnley. Tosin Adarabioyo is the most likely candidate to deputise. Captain Reece James is fit to face the league leaders, but the Blues will be without Marc Cucurella, Estêvão Willian, and Levi Colwill. Long-term absentees also include Mykhaylo Mudryk and Romeo Lavia, though the latter is nearing a return.
Form
Arsenal
The Gunners have reasserted their title credentials with a run of high-scoring performances, most notably the 4–1 drubbing of Spurs and a recent 1–0 win over Chelsea in the League Cup. Notably, Arsenal have lost just one of their last 25 Premier League London derbies, maintaining a win rate of over 60% in these fixtures under Arteta. They also remain the division’s most dangerous side from set-pieces, having scored a league-high 17 goals from dead-ball situations this season.
Chelsea
The Blues arrive at the Emirates unbeaten under Rosenior, having secured 14 points from their last 18 available. Most recently, they played out a 1–1 draw with Burnley, which followed a clinical FA Cup win over Hull City. Notably, Chelsea have won both of their away matches under the new regime and are looking for a third consecutive road victory. However, discipline remains a concern; the club has received a league-high six red cards this season.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Chelsea Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez; Palmer, Neto, Pedro
How to Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea?
The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage begins at 15:30 GMT. Fans can also stream the action via the Sky Go app.
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