Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction: Arsenal will defeat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026, as the league leaders leverage their strong home form, 10-match unbeaten streak against Chelsea, and defensive solidity to overcome the visitors who are missing suspended center-back Wesley Fofana and have dropped points in consecutive matches against newly-promoted sides.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League, Gameweek 28 |
| Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 10:00 PM (22:00) |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Current Form | Arsenal: WDDWW / Chelsea: DDWWW |
| League Position | Arsenal: 1st (61 points) / Chelsea: 6th (45 points) |
Key Facts
- Arsenal leads the Premier League table with 61 points from 28 matches, maintaining a two-point advantage over Manchester City.
- Chelsea sits sixth with 45 points from 27 games, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by three points.
- Arsenal remains unbeaten against Chelsea in their last 10 encounters across all competitions.
- The Gunners secured a 4-1 victory over Tottenham in their previous league match, with Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both scoring twice.
- Chelsea drew 1-1 with Burnley at Stamford Bridge, conceding a late equalizer from Zian Flemming.
- Arsenal has won four consecutive home matches, keeping clean sheets in the last three.
- Wesley Fofana will miss the match for Chelsea after receiving a red card against Burnley.
- Liam Rosenior remains unbeaten in Premier League away matches since taking charge of Chelsea.
- Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on February 4, 2026.
- The last time Chelsea beat Arsenal was in August 2021.
On This Page
Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview
Arsenal enters this London derby riding significant momentum after dismantling Tottenham 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The victory restored their five-point cushion at the summit, though Manchester City’s game in hand against Leeds United could temporarily reduce that margin.
The Gunners have rediscovered their ruthless edge, particularly at the Emirates, where they have scored eight goals across their last three home fixtures without conceding.
Chelsea arrives in contrasting circumstances. Despite remaining unbeaten in the league under Rosenior, consecutive 1-1 draws against Leeds and Burnley have exposed vulnerabilities.
The Blues have dropped the second-most points from winning positions in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, a concerning trend that threatens their top-four aspirations.
The late equalizer conceded to newly-promoted Burnley highlighted defensive fragility that Arsenal will seek to exploit.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Lineups and Formation
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
Manager Mikel Arteta appears set to deploy his strongest available lineup. David Raya will start in goal behind a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Nicolas Hincapie.
The midfield trio features Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice as the double pivot, with Eberechi Eze operating in the advanced role.
Bukayo Saka recovered from an ankle twist sustained against Tottenham and should start on the right wing, with Leandro Trossard on the left.
Viktor Gyokeres leads the attack after his impressive brace in the North London derby.
Formation: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Chelsea Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
Liam Rosenior faces a defensive reshuffle following Fofana’s suspension. Tosin Adarabioyo will partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defense, with Reece James and Malo Gusto occupying the full-back positions. Robert Sanchez continues in goal.
Moisés Caicedo and João Félix Santos anchor the midfield, while Cole Palmer operates as the attacking midfielder. Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández provide width, supporting central striker João Félix.
Formation: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; Pedro
Both Team Injuries and Key Absences
Arsenal Injury List
Doubtful: Ben White (knock) – The right-back picked up a knock and remains uncertain for selection. His absence would represent a tactical adjustment, though Timber can cover the position.
Unavailable: Max Dowman – The young prospect will feature in an Under-21s friendly and won’t be considered for the senior squad.
Fitness Concerns: Bukayo Saka suffered an ankle twist late in the Tottenham match but trained on Saturday. Martin Ødegaard returned as a substitute after recovering from a knee issue and could challenge Eze for a starting role.
Chelsea Injury List
Suspended: Wesley Fofana – The French defender received two yellow cards against Burnley and serves a one-match ban. His absence weakens Chelsea’s defensive organization significantly.
Out: Marc Cucurella (thigh), Estevao Willian (thigh), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), Mykhaylo Mudryk (record-breaking suspension)
Uncertain: Dario Essugo (unspecified), Filip Jorgensen (unspecified)
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Fofana’s suspension represents Chelsea’s most significant blow. The center-back has been instrumental in Rosenior’s defensive structure, and his absence forces Adarabioyo into action against Arsenal’s potent attack. Gyokeres and Eze will target this area of weakness.
For Arsenal, White’s potential absence matters less given Timber’s versatility. The real question surrounds Eze’s continued selection over captain Ødegaard.
The former Crystal Palace midfielder has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, with all coming in London fixtures.
His form against Tottenham suggests Arteta will maintain faith in the attacking midfielder.
Where To Watch Live?
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, NOW, Sky Ultra HD, BBC Radio 5 Live
United States: Telemundo, NBCSN, Peacock, SiriusXM FC
India: JioHotstar
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
Germany: Sky Go, WOW, Sky Sport Premier League, Sky Sport Top Event
France: Canal+ France, Canal+ Foot, myCANAL, Canal+ Live 1
Spain: DAZN Spain, DAZN1 Spain, Movistar+, Movistar Liga de Campeones
Stats and Head-to-Head Analysis
Recent Form Comparison
Arsenal has collected 11 points from their last six Premier League matches (W3, D2, L1), while Chelsea has accumulated 14 points (W4, D2, L0).
However, this statistic masks Arsenal’s superior overall campaign and home dominance.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent history heavily favors Arsenal. The teams have met five times since November 2024:
- November 30, 2025: Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
- January 15, 2026: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal (EFL Cup semi-final, second leg)
- February 4, 2026: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (EFL Cup semi-final, first leg)
Arsenal has not lost to Chelsea since August 2021, spanning 10 matches across all competitions. This psychological advantage cannot be understated.
Statistical Breakdown
Arsenal: 18 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses (56 goals scored, 21 conceded, +35 goal difference)
Chelsea: 12 wins, 9 draws, 6 losses (48 goals scored, 31 conceded, +17 goal difference)
Arsenal averages 2.0 goals per game compared to Chelsea’s 1.78. Defensively, the Gunners concede just 0.75 goals per match, while Chelsea allows 1.15.
Read Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Prediction.
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal operates in a fluid 4-3-3 system that transitions into a 3-2-5 in possession. Timber inverts from right-back to create numerical superiority in midfield, allowing Saka to maintain width.
Eze’s positioning between the lines creates overloads, while Gyokeres’ movement stretches defensive lines. This tactical setup has produced 56 goals in 28 matches.
Chelsea employs a 4-2-3-1 that emphasizes ball retention and quick transitions. Palmer’s creativity from the number 10 position drives their attacking play, supported by Neto’s direct running and Fernández’s technical ability.
However, the system’s defensive stability depends heavily on Fofana’s presence, making his absence particularly problematic.
Key Players to Watch
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
The midfielder has rediscovered his best form against London opposition. His double against Tottenham showcased his ability to arrive late in the box and finish clinically.
Each of his 11 Premier League goals this season has come in London derbies, making him the obvious threat.
Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)
The Swedish striker has adapted seamlessly to Arsenal’s system. His movement, hold-up play, and finishing make him a complete forward. Against Tottenham, he demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure matches.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s creative hub must deliver if the Blues hope to breach Arsenal’s defense. His vision and passing range can unlock compact defenses, though he will need support from teammates.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Chelsea)
The replacement for Fofana faces his toughest test. Gyokeres will target him physically, while Eze’s runs from deep will test his positional awareness.
Premier League Standings
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 28 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 56 | 21 | +35 | 61 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 28 | 18 | 5 | 5 | 57 | 25 | +32 | 59 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 27 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 48 | 31 | +17 | 45 |
Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction
Arsenal’s home form, superior head-to-head record, and Chelsea’s defensive absences point toward a home victory.
The Gunners have won their last four matches at the Emirates while keeping three consecutive clean sheets.
Chelsea’s inability to hold leads and Fofana’s suspension create vulnerabilities that Arteta’s side will exploit.
Arsenal’s attacking trio of Gyokeres, Eze, and Saka should overwhelm Chelsea’s makeshift defense. Even if the visitors score first—as they have shown capability to do—Arsenal’s recent resilience suggests they will respond.
The 4-1 demolition of Tottenham demonstrated their ability to maintain intensity and quality throughout 90 minutes.
Final Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Arsenal will extend their unbeaten run against Chelsea to 11 matches and strengthen their position at the Premier League summit.
The three points will prove crucial in their title challenge, particularly with Manchester City maintaining pressure from second place.
FAQs
Where To Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea Live?
Fans can watch Arsenal vs Chelsea live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the United Kingdom, on Peacock and NBCSN in the United States, on JioHotstar in India, and on DAZN Canada in Canada, with the Premier League Gameweek 28 match broadcast across over 150 countries through official rights holders on March 1, 2026.
Who Will Win Arsenal vs Chelsea Match?
Arsenal will win the match against Chelsea based on their 10-game unbeaten streak against the Blues since August 2021, their superior home record of four consecutive victories at the Emirates with three clean sheets, and Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability after Wesley Fofana’s suspension, while the Gunners hold a 16-point advantage in the Premier League table and have scored eight goals in their last three home matches.
What is Arsenal vs Chelsea Match Kick-Off Time?
Arsenal vs Chelsea kicks off at 22:00 local time (10:00 PM) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium in London for the Premier League Gameweek 28 fixture between the league leaders and sixth-placed Chelsea.
Are There Any Injuries in Arsenal vs Chelsea Match?
Chelsea will miss suspended center-back Wesley Fofana after his red card against Burnley, along with injured players Marc Cucurella (thigh), Levi Colwill (knee), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (thigh), and Estevao Willian (thigh), while Arsenal has Ben White doubtful with a knock but Bukayo Saka recovered from his ankle twist and Martin Ødegaard returned to fitness after a knee issue.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Arsenal vs Chelsea Match?
Arsenal will defeat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium, as the league leaders exploit Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses caused by Wesley Fofana’s suspension and capitalize on their attacking form demonstrated in the 4-1 victory over Tottenham, while Chelsea’s recent pattern of dropping points from winning positions against newly-promoted sides suggests they will concede late despite scoring first.
Chelsea Standing with Points?
Chelsea sits in sixth place in the Premier League table with 45 points from 27 matches (12 wins, 9 draws, 6 losses), trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by three points and holding a 48-31 goal difference with 48 goals scored and 31 conceded in the 2025-26 season.
Arsenal Standing With Points?
Arsenal leads the Premier League table in first place with 61 points from 28 matches (18 wins, 7 draws, 3 losses), maintaining a two-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City with an impressive 56 goals scored and only 21 conceded for a +35 goal difference in the 2025-26 campaign.