Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from a recent slump when they visit Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in a crucial London derby this Sunday afternoon.

With back-to-back defeats under their belt, Mikel Arteta’s side is in desperate need of three points to maintain their top-four aspirations. After a hard-fought but ultimately disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in midweek, Arsenal are seven points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, and a victory is vital to keep their title hopes alive.

The Gunners’ recent form has been concerning, with their defeat to Newcastle last weekend adding to the pressure on Arteta’s shoulders. Chelsea, however, are also experiencing their share of inconsistency. Managed by former Manchester City assistant Enzo Maresca, Chelsea sits just above Arsenal in the Premier League table, separated only by goal difference. Though the Blues have shown promising signs under Maresca, they have struggled against the league’s elite, with recent dropped points against top teams like Manchester United.

Head-To-Head Summary:

Arsenal has a good track record against Chelsea in recent encounters, with five unbeaten games, including a resounding 5-0 victory over the Blues last April. Arteta will hope his side can repeat this success, especially after Chelsea failed to convert a 2-0 lead at home last season, allowing Arsenal to snatch a 2-2 draw.

Chelsea has injury concerns heading into the match. Cole Palmer, who was injured in the Blues’ 1-1 draw against United, is doubtful, although he has been included in the England squad for the upcoming international break. Jadon Sancho, eligible to return after missing the Manchester United clash, could feature, though Maresca might opt for Pedro Neto on the left wing.

For Arsenal, Arteta faces his own selection dilemmas. Declan Rice is recovering from a toe injury sustained against Newcastle, though he is expected to play through the pain barrier. Martin Ødegaard, making his first appearance since September, might not be fit enough to start, leaving Mikel Merino to continue in the midfield. Arsenal’s backline remains solid, with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Ben White forming a sturdy defense in front of goalkeeper Raya.

Date And Kickoff Time For The Game:

The much anticipated English Premier League London Derby will take place on Sunday, November 10, at exactly 4:30 PM (West African Time).