Paul Merson is expecting a stalemate when Chelsea take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson said that Enzo Maresca’s side’s chances hinge on Cole Palmer being fit to start the match:

“Chelsea have lost all their big games this season and they are in desperate need of a win. If Arsenal close Chelsea down quickly, the Blues could be in trouble. I think William Saliba and Gabriel will enjoy that battle with Nicolas
Jackson. It won’t be as easy for Jackson as it was against Newcastle in Chelsea’s last home game in the league.”

“Arsenal win this game if Cole Palmer doesn’t play, it’s as simple as that. The only way Chelsea have a chance is if Palmer plays from the start. He is the heartbeat and he makes everything happen for Chelsea. I’m going for a draw here, big result for Chelsea but Arsenal will be out of the title race.”

What score has Merson predicted?

The Sky Sports pundit is expecting the game to finish 2-2, which is not a scoreline that most Blues supporters would be hoping for.

With the Gunners having not won in the league since the start of October, many feel that they are there for the taking. When you also factor in that Maresca’s men beat FC Noah 8-0 on Thursday evening, the confidence should be high heading into Sunday’s fixture.

Chelsea have players to fill in for Palmer

While Merson seems to be pretty dismissive of the team’s chances without one of their key players, the performances of both Enzo Fernandez and Joao Felix midweek suggest there are strong options that Maresca can call upon.

Of course, the level of opposition is completely different but Fernandez (with his hat-trick of assists) and Felix (with his brace) showed that they are in good enough form to step into the fray if needed.