Burkina Faso
Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

Arsenalvs.Chelsea

sportsmole.co.uk, 22 April 2024, 19:15
Out to snap a two-game winless sequence at the Emirates Stadium, Premier League leaders Arsenal host Chelsea in Tuesday's tantalising London derby.

The Gunners ascended to the summit with a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, just a couple of hours after the Blues were their own worst enemies in an FA Cup semi-final exit to Manchester City.

Match preview

It took a matter of a few days for Arsenal's double dreams to be left in tatters, as after suffering their first Premier League loss of 2024 at home to Aston Villa, the Gunners fell short in their Champions League revenge mission against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Bouncing back at an injury-hit Wolverhampton Wanderers side was therefore of the utmost importance, and while Saturday's Molineux encounter was at times a painful watch for the away end, goals in either half from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard sealed the deal.

As well as setting a new club record of keeping six straight clean sheets on the road in the top flight, Arsenal's triumph on April 20 propelled the Gunners back to the summit over Man City as the holders fulfilled their FA Cup commitments against Tuesday's visitors to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta's men will temporarily increase their advantage over the treble winners - who do not play again until Thursday - to four points with a 24th Premier League success of the season in midweek, and not since April 2022 have the hosts lost back-to-back home games in the division.

Furthermore, the Gunners have to go back to the behind-closed-doors era (November 2020) for the last time that they suffered consecutive top-flight defeats at the Emirates without scoring, and they will not be taking any attacking pointers from Mauricio Pochettino's men this week.

Chelsea's lengthy recuperation period was evident against a Man City side wounded from their Real Madrid-inflicted Champions League heartbreak at Wembley, where the Blues were carving out opportunities at will in their bid to meet Coventry City or Manchester United in the showpiece.

However, a glut of chances came and went without Pochettino's profligate troops finding the back of the net once - Nicolas Jackson in particular did his reputation no favours - and one deflected strike from Bernardo Silva was all it took to ensure that the Chelsea boss' agonising wait for a trophy in English football will go on.

As applaudable as Chelsea's overall performance was against the jaded treble winners, the Blues only had themselves to blame for failing to convert their multitude of openings, although Man City's Jack Grealish was perhaps fortunate to escape giving away a second-half penalty for handball.

Chelsea's wastefulness was in stark contrast to their Cole Palmer-inspired 6-0 beatdown of Everton in their last Premier League match, marking the sixth top-flight contest in a row where they have netted at least two goals, and they have now scored in their last 15 Premier League games since coincidentally going down 2-0 to Everton in December.

Ninth in the standings on account of their eight-game unbeaten run in the big time, Chelsea remain very much in European contention as the campaign draws to a close, RANKINGS UPDATE.

Arsenal rode their luck in October's Stamford Bridge showdown with Chelsea, but they managed to escape with the 2-2 draw which stretched their unbeaten run against the Blues to four games, a sequence which includes a 3-1 success on Emirates soil last season.

Arsenal Premier League form:

W

D

W

W

L

W

Arsenal form (all competitions):

W

W

D

L

L

W

Chelsea Premier League form:

D

W

D

W

D

W

Chelsea form (all competitions):

W

D

W

D

W

L

Team News

As well as known victim Jurrien Timber, who will step up his return from an ACL injury in an Under-21s fixture on Monday evening, Arsenal also lost Takehiro Tomiyasu to a knock before the win over Wolves at the weekend.

The Japan international sustained his issue in the Champions League loss to Bayern in midweek, but the Gunners labelled his absence precautionary, so there is ever chance that he might be given the green light to make the squad at the Emirates.

Even if the derby comes too soon for Tomiyasu, there will be scope for a defensive change anyway, as Jakub Kiwior endured a challenging evening at left-back on Saturday night and could cede his spot to the refreshed Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Regarding Chelsea's injury situation, Pochettino arrives at the Emirates without several long-term victims, including Romeo Lavia (thigh), Wesley Fofana (knee), Lesley Ugochukwu (thigh), Reece James (thigh) and Christopher Nkunku (thigh), the latter of whom may be the only one to return before the campaign ends.

Levi Colwill (toe) and Robert Sanchez (illness) should be the first on the conveyor belt out of the infirmary, but the pair remain sidelined for now, and Pochettino has also been handed three more untimely concerns ahead of the trip to the Emirates.

The Argentine has conceded that top scorer Cole Palmer is unlikely to be involved due to illness in a huge blow for the visitors - Raheem Sterling could benefit from his absence - while Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are both nursing knee issues and will need late fitness tests too.

Arsenal possible starting lineup:

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Chelsea possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Disasi, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Gallagher, Mudryk; Jackson

We say: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea

Chelsea may have had few problems finding the mark in the Premier League of late, but their incredibly wasteful Wembley display is cause for concern before a trip to the best defence the Premier League has to offer, and Palmer's expected absence may resign some Blues fans to concede defeat already.

Previews by email
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.Chelsea
On the back of contrasting results at the weekend, London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea prepare for battle in Tuesday's Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Thiago Silva 'makes final decision on Chelsea future'
Thiago Silva has reportedly decided to leave Chelsea at the conclusion of the current season.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur 'considering signing Luton Town defender on free transfer'
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'step up interest in highly-rated Premier League defender'
Manchester United are reportedly interested in the signing of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Blackburn U21svs.Arsenal U21s
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has taken a huge step forward in his recovery from an ACL injury, being named in the starting lineup for the Under-21s' clash with Blackburn Rovers.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Atalantavs.Fiorentina
Separated by one goal following the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, Atalanta BC and Fiorentina reconvene on Thursday, at Bergamo's Gewiss Stadium.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monacovs.Lille
Monaco host Lille in a rescheduled Ligue 1 gameweek 29 clash at Stade Louis II on Wednesday.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Wolvesvs.Bournemouth
Both bound for mid-table in the Premier League's final standings, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth meet on Wednesday, with the hosts holding a one-point advantage over their visitors.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Udinese
Serie A outfit Udinese have welcomed a former Ballon d'Or holder and World Cup-winning captain as their new head coach.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Altrinchamvs.Halifax
Looking to book a spot in the semi-finals of the playoffs, Solihull Moors and Halifax Town will do battle at the SportNation.bet Stadium on Wednesday night in the playoff quarter-finals.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Coventryvs.Hull City
Following a drama-filled FA Cup semi-final on the weekend, Coventry City return to Championship action as Hull City visit the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday night.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he has no concerns regarding the mood of his squad ahead of Tuesday's Premier League fixture at Arsenal.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Lorientvs.PSG
Lorient welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Stade du Moustoir on Wednesday in a rescheduled gameweek 29 fixture in Ligue 1.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester City 'prepared to listen to offers for England international'
Manchester City winger Jack Grealish may reportedly be sold by the Premier League giants during the summer transfer window.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he will never criticise Nicolas Jackson for missing chances, like he did in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid3 - 2Barcelona
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham replicated a feat previously achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday's 3-2 El Clasico victory against Barcelona.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'name asking price for Aaron Ramsdale'
Arsenal have reportedly set their asking price for Aaron Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal 'facing competition from Barcelona to sign Premier League striker'
Barcelona have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Crystal Palacevs.Newcastle
Requiring just one more victory to mathematically assure themselves of Premier League safety, Crystal Palace welcome Newcastle United to their Selhurst Park home on Wednesday night.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenalvs.Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino faces the prospect of being without three more players for Tuesday's Premier League fixture at Arsenal.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Ajaxvs.Excelsior
Ajax play host to SBV Excelsior on Wednesday evening knowing that they require all three points to maintain their challenge of fourth position in the Eredivisie standings.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah is in line for a recall to the starting lineup when the Reds travel to Goodison Park for Wednesday's Premier League Merseyside derby with Everton.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
A Merseyside derby with major ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table is on the Goodison Park menu this Wednesday, as Everton and Liverpool cross paths once again.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
FC Twentevs.Almere City
FC Twente play host to Almere City on Wednesday evening with the opportunity to strengthen their hold of third position in the Eredivisie standings.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Aston Villa considering summer move for Chelsea defender?
Aston Villa have reportedly identified Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella as a potential summer transfer target.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy 'wanted by three Premier League heavyweights'
Three Premier League clubs are reportedly showing an interest in signing Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make contact with Champions League-winning manager'
Manchester United allegedly hold an interest in appointing Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make contact with Champions League-winning manager'
Manchester United allegedly hold an interest in appointing Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Brightonvs.Man City
Having experienced the highs and lows of knockout football, Manchester City return to Premier League matters with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday evening.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Utdvs.Sheff Utd
Manchester United welcome Premier League basement boys Sheffield United to Old Trafford on Wednesday after avoiding being on the wrong end of an astonishing FA Cup upset.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
A trip to hostile ground awaits Liverpool on Wednesday night, as the Reds make the short trek to Goodison Park to face Merseyside derby rivals Everton in the Premier League.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
A trip to hostile ground awaits Liverpool on Wednesday night, as the Reds make the short trek to Goodison Park to face Merseyside derby rivals Everton in the Premier League.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Evertonvs.Liverpool
A trip to hostile ground awaits Liverpool on Wednesday night, as the Reds make the short trek to Goodison Park to face Merseyside derby rivals Everton in the Premier League.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Fulham1 - 3Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp waxed lyrical about a Reds star who "nobody" can compare to after Sunday's 3-1 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's Transfer Talk Update: Thiago Silva, Bernardo Silva, Luka Modric
All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season.
22 April 2024
sportsmole.co.uk
Monday's Serie A predictions including AC Milan vs. Inter Milan
Roma vs. Bologna (Monday, 5.30pm) On track for another European final and in contention for a return to the Champions League, in-form Roma welcome top-five rivals Bologna to Stadio Olimpico on Monday. Ahead of a crucial clash between two teams vying for a seat at Europe's top table, the hosts have recorded three big wins on the spin, while their visitors have proven one of the toughest sides to beat throughout Serie A.
Show more

Top News

31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk History could be in the making on Wednesday night when fourth-tier AS Cannes welcome Reims to the Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Viktor Gyokeres is a complete striker who will guarantee Arsenal goals in abundance - something fellow target Benjamin Sesko cannot offer. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha has taken to social media to declare his immediate commitment to the Premier League club. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Liverpool and Everton will both be out for more than just bragging rights in the second Merseyside derby of the season this midweek. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has provided a positive fitness update on Chris Wood ahead of Tuesday's Premier League fixture against Manchester United. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur will look to make amends for the disappointing defeat they suffered at Fulham before the international break when they make another trip across London to face Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday night. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Andoni Iraola hasn't 'done enough' to justify leaving Bournemouth for the manager hotseat at Tottenham. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers will be bidding to avoid ending a 103-year streak in Tuesday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka is available following a hamstring injury. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton are set to remain without wide pair Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil for the short trip across Stanley Park to face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool could be forced to start Jarell Quansah at right-back once again when they welcome Everton to Anfield for the Merseyside derby in the Premier League on Wednesday night. 31 March 2025 talksport.com A brand new football competition is here as some of the sport's legends combine with famous faces for six-a-side action. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool and Everton lock horns in the Merseyside derby for the second time in two months when the two long-standing rivals go head-to-head at Anfield in the Premier League on Wednesday night. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Vitor Pereira has played down Matheus Cunha's comments regarding his future at Molineux. 31 March 2025 talksport.com A Serie A star was forced to address a bizarre injury that has been compared to a 'zombie bite'. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool youngster Ben Doak is reportedly wanted by local rivals Everton ahead of the summer transfer window. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton has claimed that the club are "well protected" from the outcome regarding the striker Liam Delap. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool duo Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott are reportedly admired by Newcastle United as the summer transfer window approaches. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Everton manager David Moyes hasn't stepped foot in their new stadium and won't until one thing in particular is completed. 31 March 2025 talksport.com The Premier League action roars back into action after the international break - and talkSPORT has you covered. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea will seemingly have to remain patient to find out who will complete their group at the Club World Cup. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Fulham manager Marco Silva has claimed that Arsenal will have an "advantage" for Tuesday's Premier League meeting at the Emirates Stadium. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to rival Manchester City in the race for a Serie A goalkeeper. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to claim three more points as they thrive for a spot in the Champions League, Manchester City will host Leicester City at the Etihad on Wednesday night in the Premier League. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Leicester City are expected to make a number of attacking alterations to their side ahead of a daunting clash with Manchester City in the Premier League on Wednesday night. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Antony continues to impress on loan from Man United, with one Real Betis player joking about how they can keep hold of him. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City are set to be without the talents of Erling Haaland for Wednesday night's Premier League visit of Leicester City. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Looking to boost their chances of a Champions League finish, Manchester City will welcome Championship-bound Leicester City to the Etihad on Wednesday night for a Premier League clash. 31 March 2025 talksport.com Shrewsbury Town's proposed takeover has fallen through, plunging the club into turmoil. 31 March 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea return to action on Thursday night when they play host to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Fri 04 Apr, 18:45
A
Genoa Genoa
-
sch
Udinese Udinese