Chelsea - Arsenal predictions and free betting tips [21/10/2023]

This Saturday, the 21st of October, Chelsea will host Arsenal in a derby match-up for the 9th round of the Premier League. A lower number of goals scored is the only thing hindering Mikel Arteta's charges from occupying the top spot in the league table, whilst the Blues have had a disappointing start to the season and are currently sitting in 11th place.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.

Stadium

The match is set to take place at Stamford Bridge in London.

Chelsea

Last season Chelsea fell short of fans' expectations and took a disappointing 12th place in the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino was appointed head coach this summer in an attempt to bring the club back to its previous heights. However, despite the flurry of activity in the transfer market, the results are yet to show. Currently, the Blues are sitting in 11th place overall and are 5 points away from the European zone.
The hosts had a rough start to the season, winning just one out of the first six matches, drawing twice and losing thrice. However, in the last two rounds Chelsea grabbed a victory against Fulham (0:2) and Burnley before the international break in October (1:4). Despite Wilson Odobert putting the Clarets ahead, an own goal from Amin Al-Dahil, a converted penalty from Cole Palmer and precise strikes from Sterling and Jackson restored faith among Londoners. Moreover, the hosts have won three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since last October. 

It's worth noting, Chelsea lost their last two home battles in the Premier League against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest with 0:1 score. Concerns arise from the list of injured players too: summer additions Lavia (Southampton) and Nkunku (Leipzig), key left back Chilwell, central defenders Fofana and Badiashile from France, and reserve goalkeeper Bettinelli are all unavailable. Adding to this is the uncertainty surrounding right back and team captain Reece James, with his replacement Malo Gusto having already served his suspension. Talented winger Cole Palmer, who switched from Manchester City this summer, scored a goal and provided an assist in the last round, therefore he's almost certain to appear in the starting line-up on Saturday - alongside Sterling (3 goals), and midfielders Caicedo and Fernandez.

Arsenal

Last season, Arsenal was close to securing the English champion's title but had to settle for second place after Manchester City. But this campaign, the Londoners are ready to compete on all fronts. Mikel Arteta's pupils kicked off the season with a win over Manchester City in the country's Super Cup, and in the Premier League, they remain unbeaten (6 wins and 2 draws). They currently occupy the second position in the league table, having the same number of points as Tottenham, who are at the top. In October, Arsenal played a draw against Tottenham at home (2:2), then defeated Bournemouth (0:4), and most importantly, beat Manchester City in the last round (1:0) thanks to a late goal by Martinelli. In the Champions League, the Gunners shone in a match against PSV (4:0), and then succumbed to Lens (2:1). The Gunners are currently the only team in the Premier League boasting a perfect away defence (0 conceded goals in 3 away matches). 

Key Dutch defender Timber is still absent from the guest's squad due to an injury sustained in the first round. Moreover, the participation of key winger Saka (4 goals and 2 assists) is in question. The same applies to central defender Saliba, who refused to accept a call-up to the French national team due to an injury. Leandro Trossard played 45 minutes against the Citizens and was substituted, so it's unlikely the Belgian will appear from the start. After his performance at the Emirates 2 weeks ago, Martinelli might make the starting line-up alongside compatriot Gabriel Jesus (1 goal). In midfield, newcomer Declan Rice and team captain Martin Odegaard (3 goals and 1 assist) will surely take their places.

Head to Head

Arsenal has claimed victory in each of the last three Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge, and a victory at the Emirates with a score of 3:1 in May secured the Gunners six wins in their last seven derby matches against Chelsea.

Prediction for Chelsea - Arsenal match

Chelsea is striving to emerge from its crisis while having secured three consecutive victories across all competitions. The Blues cannot afford to lose in the derby, otherwise, they would fall 8 points behind the European zone again. Arsenal has been performing impressively away from home this season in the Premier League, but they are hindered by injuries to Saka and Trossard. The Gunners will also have a Champions League clash against Sevilla next week in mind, therefore it would make sense to bet on the hosts not to lose.