Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction: Can the Gunners Dominate at the Emirates?

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Modified - Feb 26, 2026, 01:52 PM

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Summary

Arsenal came into the clash at the Emirates Stadium in strong form, sitting well above Chelsea in the Premier League table. The hosts looked to maintain their momentum, while Chelsea aimed to upset the top-of-the-table side and improve their own league standing.

Our Arsenal vs Chelsea prediction leans towards an Arsenal home win, with the Gunners holding a narrow edge in this high-stakes Premier League London derby at the Emirates Stadium. Both sides arrive in competitive form, making this one of the most anticipated fixtures on the calendar, but Arsenal vs Chelsea head-to-head records, their home advantage and Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities could prove decisive.

Match Context

Arsenal and Chelsea are two of English football's most storied rivals, and London derbies rarely disappoint. This meeting carries added weight in the Premier League table, with both clubs pushing hard in the top half of the standings. The atmosphere at the Emirates is expected to be electric, and Mikel Arteta's side will look to make it count in front of their own fans.

Arsenal vs Chelsea Injury News

Arsenal vs Chelsea injury updates will play a major role in shaping the outcome. On the Chelsea side, centre-back Wesley Fofana is a notable absentee due to the suspension he received against Burnley, significantly weakening the Blues' defensive structure. Fofana's absence removes a key ball-playing presence from the back line and could leave Chelsea exposed against Arsenal's press and forward runners.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be keen to have their key attacking options fit and available. Arteta's squad has shown depth this season, and assuming no fresh injury setbacks ahead of kick-off, the Gunners should be able to field a strong starting XI.

Expected Lineups

Arsenal vs Chelsea lineups are yet to be officially confirmed, but based on recent Premier League selections, here is what both managers are likely to go with:

Arsenal Starting XI

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Gyokeres

Chelsea Starting XI

Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Estevao; Joao Pedro.

Roberto Sanchez is set to start in goal for Chelsea. For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka remains the most dangerous threat in wide areas.

Key Tactical Battle In Arsenal vs Chelsea

The central duel to watch is Chelsea's midfield pivot against Arsenal's press. When Chelsea visited the Emirates earlier in the recent past, they created just 0.29 xG and 0.1 post-shot xG in the first half, figures that underline how difficult Arteta's side makes life for opponents in their own backyard, according to analysis published by BetMGM.

With Fofana missing, Chelsea's centre-back pairing may struggle to deal with the combination of Havertz's movement and the overlapping runs from Arsenal's full-backs. One of the best football club Arsenal's first-half performance record at home that makes a fast start look likely.

Our Verdict: Arsenal vs Chelsea Prediction

Taking everything into account, home advantage, Chelsea's defensive injury concerns, and the xG data from recent meetings, Arsenal are the value pick here, particularly in the first half.

A narrow 2-1 Arsenal win feels like the most balanced outcome, reflecting Chelsea's ability to threaten on the counter while Arsenal control the majority of the match. A 1-1 draw cannot be ruled out, given the competitive nature of London derbies, but the weight of evidence points to Arsenal getting the job done at home.