Chelsea v Arsenal: Prediction, Tips and Odds

A London derby seems an excellent way to head into the international break and drama is all but guaranteed when Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. 

There are contrasting narratives around the pair, with Enzo Maresca's men evolving and the Gunners at a crossroads in their season. 

Wednesday's UEFA Champions League defeat to Inter Milan was Arsenal's second 1-0 reverse on the spin after going down by the same scoreline at Newcastle last Saturday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, demolished FC Noah 8-0 in the UEFA Conference League, but rested some of the big boys. 

Cole Palmer was also unavailable after the club opted not to include him in their squad for Europe, but would have missed out anyway with a knee injury, and Marseca has been coy about his fitness.

Tied on 18 points, last weekend's 1-1 draw at Manchester United saw Chelsea move ahead of their London rivals in the standings for the first time this season and, with momentum in their favour, they could edge a barnstormer at the Bridge.

Chelsea v Arsenal betting tips and predictions

Chelsea to win - 17/10

Refreshed and raring to go after Maresca rotated in the week, a Chelsea side similar to the one that drew 1-1 at Manchester United last Sunday is likely to run out at Stamford Bridge.

After another summer of uncertainty, the Blues' new Italian coach has settled into his role well and his team starts the weekend fourth in the table, while their tally of 20 goals scored - three more than Arsenal - is the third-best in the league.

The Gunners, meanwhile, know a defeat would further jeopardise their already ailing title bid, as a win for Liverpool at home to Aston Villa on Saturday would leave Arteta's men 10 points behind the Reds before taking to the field in this one.

While the coach's freneticism previously brought out the best in his players, the Spaniard seems to be losing control, and too often.

This has been emphasised during Martin Odegaard's absence. The Norwegian played the final moments at Stadio San Siro, although it is unclear if he will be fit enough to manage many more minutes on Sunday after being out since September.

Among Arsenal's three-game winless run in the league are defeats to nil at both Bournemouth and Newcastle, either side of a 2-2 with Liverpool.

They could again be on the wrong side of the scoreline in SW6, with Chelsea backed to claim just their second win in the last 10 league meetings.

Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer - 5/2

Despite Maresca's evasiveness, the word from those close to Chelsea is that Palmer will play and he is 15/8 to score, as he did in this fixture last season.

The Wythenshawe whizz kid also netted against the Gunners for Manchester City in last season's Community Shield, so is worth keeping in mind, but just to be safe, Nicolas Jackson is sure to start and is worth considering at 5/2 anytime.

Jackson has scored six times in 10 Premier League outings this season and looks well on the way to surpassing last term's tally of 14.

Since the start of 2023/24, the 23-year-old's 10 goals and two assists in nine games is more than any other player in London derbies, and he could experience more joy against the Gunners.

A red card to be shown - 11/4

Keeping players on the field has been a big problem for Arsenal, receiving a league-high three red cards.

While their boss often shows emotion, their three dismissals have all been moments of either mindlessness or anxiety rather than aggression.

There is a chance for this to get tasty, though, with Chelsea leading the top flight with 38 cautions received.

Sunday's referee, Michael Oliver, awarded a red to Girona's Arnau Martinez when on UEFA Champions League duty on Tuesday and also gave Leandro Trossard two yellows in Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Manchester City, making another dismissal a valid proposition.

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Chelsea v Arsenal odds

Chelsea - 17/10
Draw - 12/5 
Arsenal - 31/20

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.