Alex MacQuoid
The Arsenal vs Chelsea predicted lineups for Sunday’s London derby promise another fascinating chapter in one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries. With Arsenal chasing the title and Chelsea fighting to revive their top-four hopes, both Mikel Arteta and Liam Rosenior face key selection dilemmas that could define the match’s outcome.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted XI: Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyökeres
Arteta’s back four picks itself these days, though fitness concerns persist. Jurrien Timber has managed his minutes carefully since returning from injury, while Ben White remains a doubt with a knock. Piero Hincapié continues to impress at left-back and is likely to keep his place ahead of Riccardo Calafiori.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will anchor the center, giving the Gunners control and composure in possession. The real question is who occupies the No.10 role. Martin Ødegaard is back from injury and pushing for a start, but after Eberechi Eze’s double against Spurs, dropping him would be harsh. Expect Eze to retain his spot behind the red-hot Viktor Gyökeres, who continues to deliver with consistency and power.
Bukayo Saka looks fit to feature despite a minor ankle scare against Tottenham, while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli remain ready to provide width or impact off the bench. Kai Havertz could return to the squad, offering Arteta another tactical option late in the game.
Injured: Merino
Doubts: White, Havertz
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted XI: Sánchez (GK); James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; Joao Pedro
With Wesley Fofana suspended and Marc Cucurella sidelined, Rosenior will be forced into changes across the back line. Tosin Adarabioyo is expected to partner Trevoh Chalobah in central defence, while Malo Gusto could shift to left-back, allowing Reece James to start on the right after his impressive return from injury.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos have formed a promising partnership that balances aggression and composure. Enzo Fernández should operate in a more advanced role, supporting Joao Pedro and linking with the creative outlets Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto. The latter’s pace and directness could be crucial on the counterattack against Arsenal’s high defensive line.
Injured: Gittens, Colwill, Jørgensen, Cucurella, Estevao
Suspended: Fofana
Tactical Overview
Arteta’s approach will likely combine measured control with quick transitions. Arsenal’s midfield structure allows them to dominate possession, but Eze’s inclusion adds unpredictability and flair between the lines. Expect Gyökeres to press Chelsea’s centre-backs aggressively, while Saka and Trossard cut inside to overload the half-spaces.
Rosenior’s Chelsea, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Arsenal’s full-backs through fast counters. Palmer’s drifting movements and Neto’s pace could stretch the Gunners’ back line, forcing Rice to cover wide areas. The key duel may emerge between Caicedo’s defensive discipline and Eze’s creative spark.
Prediction
Both teams come into the game with confidence but different pressures. Arsenal need the win to maintain title momentum, while Chelsea are desperate to stay in the European race. Given Arsenal’s superior cohesion and home advantage, they enter as favorites — but if Chelsea’s attacking trio clicks, this London derby could provide another thriller.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea