Premier League news: Chelsea vs Arsenal – Five key battles and score prediction
Sunday action in the Premier League sees Arsenal travel across London to take on Chelsea in a top of the table clash at Stamford Bridge.
Despite the Blues not having beaten Arsenal at the Bridge since 2018, they are coming off the back of a dominant display against Barcelona and will be confident of an almighty win.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Will Thomas looks at five key battles that could decide the game.
Enzo Maresca vs Mikel Arteta
Both managers hail from Pep Guardiola’s school of football, with Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta now two of the top managers in the world.
The Chelsea manager has made Stamford Bridge a fortress in big games so far this season, with the most memorable result a 2-1 win over Liverpool as Estêvão scored late on.
Arteta, on the other hand, will be looking to increase the Gunners’ lead at the top after an impressive 3-1 display at home against Bayern Munich in midweek.
Moisés Caicedo vs Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat trick in the north London derby on Sunday, but he is arguably set to face his toughest test yet this term.
Moisés Caicedo has been a consistent rock in front of the backline this season while chipping in with goals in big games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Indeed, the Ecuadorian has staked a claim to being the league’s top midfielder alongside Declan Rice.
READ MORE: Premier League on Sky Sports: Chelsea vs Arsenal preview, predictions and betting tips
Marc Cucurella vs Bukayo Saka
Marc Cucurella has been in wicked form this season and likely put in his best display in a Chelsea shirt against Spanish compatriot Lamine Yamal on Tuesday to help the Blues to a 3-0 win against boyhood club Barcelona.
However, the Spanish full-back will face a tough test on Sunday against Bukayo Saka.
Saka has tormented the Chelsea right-back in the past, remember, and will be looking to do the same as Arsenal eye another step towards the Premier League trophy.
Estêvão vs Riccardo Calafiori
Estêvão has become a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge as his Brazilian’s flair and deadly finishing has dazzled the Chelsea fans.
The Brazilian moreover outshone Yamal in midweek with a magical goal to make it 2-0 to the home side.
Riccardo Calafiori has been similarly dominant at left-back this season for Arsenal, shutting down any doubts or concerns about his place in the Gunners’ starting XI.
With that said, the Italian will have to lean on his physical presence this weekend in order to marshal Estêvão’s attacking flair.
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Leandro Trossard vs Reece James
Leandro Trossard has been scoring for fun for Arsenal of late, keeping Gabriel Martinelli out of the team.
The Belgian has scored two key goals in his last two Premier League games for Arsenal, memorably opening the floodgates against Spurs after latching onto a delightful, chipped pass from Mikel Merino to stroke it into the bottom left-hand corner.
Trossard also scored in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last season and has a knack for scoring in big games.
For the Blues, it’s no coincidence the side is looking more consistent now that Reece James is fit.
The Chelsea captain has been a commanding voice for the Blues on and off the pitch, and a win against Arsenal would well and truly spark a title charge.
Summary
Chelsea have looked good in big games at Stamford Bridge this season and I think they will come out the traps fast to score first.
Arsenal will then slow down the game and equalise late on in the second half to earn a vital point away from home.
Score prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
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