Arsenal
[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face Chelsea: Can the Gunners beat long-time rivals?
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction: Arsenal predicted line-up
A struggling Arsenal welcome an inconsistent Chelsea in a crucial game for both sides at the Emirates on Sunday.
Arsenal, led by new boss Mikel Arteta, were far from impressive in his first game as Gunners manager, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea also has not been in the best of forms, with his side suffering a 0-2 loss to Southampton at home.
However, Arteta has a tougher task at hand as his side currently sits a lowly 11th in the league compared to Lampard’s Chelsea, who despite their recent losses are still safely sitting fourth in the table.
Team news
Centre-back Sokratis might mostly sit out after picking up a head injury against Cherries in the last game.
Left-backs Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac have been completely ruled out from the fixture as they are yet to fully recover from their injuries.
Dani Ceballos, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, and Gabriel Martinelli, who recently returned to training, meanwhile, remain a doubt and would be playing if announced fit.
Predicted Arsenal line-up
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Bernd Leno (GK)
Had a rather average game last time against Cherries and has saved the Gunners during numerous occasions this season. He is sure to start.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RB)
With Bellerin still doubtful to start, the youngster would most probably be preferred, especially since they are short of options in that role.
Calum Chambers (CB)
After sitting out in the stalemate against Bournemouth due to suspension, Chambers could be seen returning to action in place of the injured Sokratis.
David Luiz (CB)
Arteta’s homecoming does not seem to have had much effect on the veteran, as he still looks way past his prime, but is sure to feature.
Bukayo Saka (LB)
With both their left-backs sure not to play, Saka might start his third game in a row. The teenager is good going upfront but has to improve his defence.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Arteta seemed to have made his intentions known by starting the experienced Xhaka and would be featuring him once again in the middle.
Lucas Torreira (CM)
The midfielder does have talent as it was evident during brief spells in the game against the Cherries, but at times has looked clueless.
Reiss Nelson (RW)
The youngster took his chances well and played his part in Arsenal’s equaliser with a deflected shot which fell to skipper Aubameyang.
Mesut Ozil (CAM)
After a long time, the German once again looked like his former self in Arteta’s managerial debut with his slick passing and movements off the ball
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LW)
Saved the blushes for the Gunners with an equaliser. He proved his credential as an excellent finisher by lunging on to Nelson’s deflected shot.
Read more:
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- Why Arsenal signing Mertens would be an outstanding January steal
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
Like Xhaka, Lacazette also seems to be favoured by the manager. He likes to play with his back to the goal which gives other attackers space in the box.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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