Arsenal vs Chelsea: Live Updates, Team News & Match Preview for London Derby!

Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League journey continued in dominant fashion as they comfortably secured a place in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. However, celebrations must be short-lived as the Gunners now turn their attention back to the Premier League, where their recent performances have left much to be desired. A crucial showdown awaits against their London rivals, Chelsea, this Sunday at 9:30 AM ET. With both teams eyeing a strong finish to the season, this match promises to be a thrilling battle at the Emirates Stadium.

How to Watch Arsenal vs Chelsea Live

• Kick-off Time: Sunday, 9:30 AM ET

• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

• TV Channel: Peacock

• Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

For live updates, expert analysis, and match highlights, stay tuned to PST’s live blog coverage throughout Arsenal vs Chelsea.

Arsenal vs Chelsea: Live Updates and Lineups

The much-anticipated clash sees Arsenal aiming to bounce back from recent struggles while Chelsea seeks to build on their European success. Here are the confirmed starting lineups for both sides:

Arsenal Starting XI:

Raya - Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly - Partey, Rice, Odegaard - Martinelli, Trossard, Merino

Chelsea Starting XI:

Sanchez - Fofana, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella - James, Caicedo, Fernandez - Neto, Sancho, Nkunku

Match Highlights: Arsenal Takes Early Lead!

⚽ GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (20')
Mikel Merino breaks the deadlock! A perfectly delivered corner kick from Martin Odegaard finds Merino, who capitalizes on Chelsea’s defensive lapse to send a floating header into the back of the net. Arsenal’s set-piece magic has returned, marking their first goal from such a scenario since early December.

While the Gunners have struggled in open play recently, this early breakthrough could be exactly what they need to regain their momentum.

Shocking Team News: Where is Cole Palmer?

One of the biggest surprises heading into the match is the absence of Chelsea’s attacking star, Cole Palmer. The talented midfielder is neither in the starting lineup nor on the bench. While no official reason has been given, Palmer has been enduring a rough spell, failing to contribute a goal or an assist in over two months since Chelsea’s clash with Bournemouth on January 14.

Chelsea will need other playmakers to step up in his absence, especially against an Arsenal side eager to regain form in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s Premier League Struggles & Title Race Woes

Despite their European success, Arsenal’s domestic campaign has hit turbulence. After a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester United, manager Mikel Arteta showed visible frustration, storming out of his post-match interview. With Liverpool currently sitting 15 points ahead and just nine matches remaining, Arsenal’s title hopes are dwindling.

Now, the battle shifts to securing a top-two finish. Nottingham Forest lurks just four points behind in third, while Chelsea is only six points away from overtaking them. This fixture against the Blues is more than just a London derby—it’s a must-win for Arsenal’s aspirations.

Chelsea’s European Triumph & Lineup Rotation

Chelsea also enjoyed success in European competition this week, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Europa Conference League. Manager Enzo Maresca made six changes from the squad that recently triumphed over Leicester, yet the Blues still managed to edge past Copenhagen with a 3-1 aggregate win.

Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered the decisive goal in the second leg, ensuring Chelsea’s place in the next round against Polish side Legia Warsaw. However, their domestic form remains inconsistent, making this clash against Arsenal a crucial test of their resilience.

Injury Reports & Squad Availability

Arsenal Team News:

• ❌ OUT: Kai Havertz (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (torn ACL - season-ending), Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee)

Chelsea Team News:

• ❌ OUT: Noni Madueke (thigh), Nicolas Jackson (thigh), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension), Marc Guiu (groin)

• ❓ QUESTIONABLE: Christopher Nkunku (illness), Omari Kellyman (thigh), Malo Gusto (undisclosed), Cole Palmer (illness), Reece James (illness)

Both teams are facing significant absences, with Arsenal missing key attacking threats like Saka and Jesus, while Chelsea must navigate injuries and suspensions that leave their squad depth stretched.

Prediction: A High-Scoring Thriller?

This fixture has all the ingredients for a high-intensity, end-to-end battle. Arsenal desperately needs to reignite their attacking firepower, and Chelsea will be eager to capitalize on any defensive vulnerabilities. Given both teams’ situations, a goal-fest could be on the cards.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-2 Chelsea

Expect an electrifying clash filled with drama, goals, and pivotal moments that could shape both teams' seasons!