The Premier League returns this weekend and Chelsea will host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in another installment of the London derby.
Arsenal go into this match as underdogs due to their performances in recent games.
The Gunners are winless in the last two games with losses against Newcastle at the St James Park last week.
Arsenal also lost to Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been far from their best in recent games probably due to Martin Ordegaard’s absence and Arteta’s inability to find other solutions to help the team.
Chelsea on the hand have been decent in recent games. Enzo Maresca’s side go into the derby high on confidence after the humiliating win over Armenian side Noah Yerevan in the Europa Conference League.
The Blues were also considered the better side in the team’s one-all draw away at Manchester United last Sunday.
However, Chelsea’s biggest player Cole Palmer is a major doubt for the game after the English attacking midfielder picked up an knock in the one-all draw away at Manchester United.
Arsenal have played two big teams recently and without a win. The Gunners played out a two-all against Manchester City and Liverpool in September and October respectively.
The Michael Oliver factor also comes to mind.
The average Arsenal fan tremble at the mention of his name due to the previous Arsenal matches he has been involved in.
He was the center referee that sent off Leandro Trossard in the Gunners’ two-all against Manchester City at the Etihad in September.
He adjudged the Belgian winger to have kicked the ball away after play was temporarily stopped and his action resulted to a second yellow card.
Michael Oliver has issued red cards to Arsenal players 4 times in 27 Premier League matches he has officiated involving the Gunners.
Also, Arsenal have won 8 but lost 12 matches he has previously officiated involving them away from home.
In this moment, Chelsea appears to have an edge over Arsenal due to the following factors below:
Arsenal’s Recent Poor Form
Arsenal head into this match after two consecutive losses, to Newcastle in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the Champions League.
This dip in form, especially with some tough opponents, suggests they may not be at their best, giving Chelsea an advantage in momentum and confidence.
Chelsea’s Rising Confidence
Chelsea has shown decent form recently, especially coming off a commanding win over Armenian side Noah Yerevan in the Europa Conference League.
With Enzo Maresca’s side building momentum, Chelsea is likely to be high in confidence, adding pressure to an Arsenal team struggling to regain their footing.
Even in games the Blues have lost against big sides this season: Liverpool and Manchester City, they have played well but unlucky in converting their chances.
Impact of Key Injuries
Arsenal’s playmaker, Martin Ødegaard, has been absent, which many believe has been affecting the team’s fluidity and creativity.
His absence has coincided with their recent struggles, and if he remains out, Arsenal could find it hard to penetrate Chelsea’s defense.
Though Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is also a potential absentee, Chelsea’s recent success without him suggests they might cope better.
Referee Michael Oliver’s History with Arsenal
Michael Oliver’s officiating history may play a psychological role.
Arsenal fans and players might feel apprehensive, as Oliver has previously sent off Arsenal players four times in 27 away games.
Arsenal’s win-loss record when Oliver officiates is also a concern, as they have lost 12 times and won only 8 with him as the referee in away matches.
This pattern could subconsciously affect Arsenal’s performance at Stamford Bridge, giving Chelsea a slight mental edge.
These factors combined make Chelsea a strong contender to secure victory over Arsenal in this highly anticipated derby.
However, It’s important to note that Chelsea are yet to win a match against Arsenal in six previous attempts.
The Gunners have won 5 of out of 6 previously meetings with the Blues and their last meeting at Stamford Bridge ended in a two-all draw.
