- Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in a huge London derby. Get the latest team news, predicted lineups, H2H record and match prediction.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the first major London derby of the Premier League season, with both sides arriving after winning their opening two matches.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are looking to continue their title defense, while Xabi Alonso's Chelsea have made an entertaining start to the Spaniard's reign.
Both teams have strengthened their squads during the summer, setting up an intriguing tactical battle between Arsenal's control and Chelsea's transition-based approach.
Match Information
Fixture: Arsenal vs Chelsea Competition: Premier League Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026 Kick-off: 3:30 PM UTC Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England Teams: Arsenal vs. Chelsea Match: Matchweek 3
Head-to-Head: Last 5 Meetings
Arsenal have dominated the recent meetings, winning three of the last five, while the other two ended in draws. Chelsea have not beaten Arsenal in their last five Premier League meetings.
1 March 2026: Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea—Premier League
30 November 2025: Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal—Premier League
15 March 2025: Arsenal 1–0 Chelsea—Premier League
10 November 2024: Chelsea 1–1 Arsenal—Premier League
23 April 2024: Arsenal 5–0 Chelsea—Premier League
Last 5 records: Arsenal 3 wins, Chelsea 0 wins, 2 draws.
Goals: Arsenal 10, Chelsea 3.
Key Players to Watch
Joao Pedro: João Pedro has been one of Chelsea's standout performers under Xabi Alonso, contributing four goals across the opening two league matches. His movement, finishing, and ability to attack space in transition have added another dimension to Chelsea's attack.
Odegaard: Martin Ødegaard could be crucial if Arsenal dominate possession. Chelsea have averaged just 32% possession across their opening two matches, meaning Arsenal are likely to spend long periods with the ball. Ødegaard's ability to play between the lines, deliver crosses, and create from set pieces could therefore become decisive.
Team news
Arsenal had multiple injury concerns last week, but Declan Rice is expected to feature in the London derby, while players including Bruno Gumaires, Mosquera, and Timber will undergo late fitness tests to assess the condition. William Saliba is not expected to feature, as he is still recovering from a back injury.
From Chelsea's side, Caicedo will undergo a late fitness test to assess fitness; however, he is not expected in the starting 11. Henderson and Palestra will also be sidelined on Sunday.
Where the Game Could Be Won
Arsenal are likely to look to control the game through possession and sustained pressure, while Chelsea could pose a threat by winning the ball and attacking quickly in transition. The battle in midfield and how each side handles turnovers could prove decisive.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Martinez, Lacroix, Colwill, Fofana, James, Gusto, Lavia, Hato, Rogers, Palmer, Pedro
Arsenal: Raya, White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis, Havertz
Prediction
Arsenal's ability to control possession could force Chelsea into a deeper defensive shape for long periods. However, Chelsea's pace in transition gives them a route to exploit Arsenal when possession is lost.
Arsenal's greater control and attacking quality should ultimately give them the edge at the Emirates.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2 : 4 Arsenal