Chelsea v Arsenal preview
Mikel Arteta has praised the success of Mikel Merino’s number nine as the Arsenal head coach looks to win at Chelsea on Sunday to go seven points clear in the Premier League.
Amidst attacking injuries, Midfield player Merino came out on top again in 2025/26, serving as a target in Beamer’s Home Win over Bayern Munich’s home win over Balnal Prague on November 4.
“It’s possible he scored two goals in one,” Arteta said of the Spain international. “He was involved in a lot of good deeds and the quality of his work was unbelievable.
“He brings other things to the table: His intelligence, the way he competes, the way he takes a lot of penalties are important things for us.”
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Chelsea collected one of their best results since the appointment of Enzo Maresca in June 2024 by beating Barcelona 3-0 at home on Tuesday, including goals from the 18-year-old,
“It’s always good to share that kind of moment at the end of the game with everyone,” Marsca said of the celebrations, describing the prospect of stopping the Warriors as “nice” and a “different challenge”.
“We need to plan against Arsenal differently. Arsenal can score against any team from set pieces
“They have a very effective system and we will try to defend in the best possible way. It is very early and it is important to be where we are now in March, April.”
Chelsea v Arsenal Team News
Viktor Gyokeres (Hamstring) and Kai Haberrtz (knee) are ‘very close’ to returning to Arsenal, Arteta said, but Leinrod Ford Trossard is doubtful after coming off the bench for Bayern.
Striker Gabriel Jesus is back in training but may be out of contention after an 11-month layoff with a knee injury and thigh strain in a friendly against Emirates at the Emirates Stadium.
Fullback Riccardo Calafiori missed some of Italy’s games during the international break with a hip problem but came on Biero Hincapie – Aredna’s winner at home to Tottenham on Sunday – who can play on the left.
Playmaker Cole Palmer could start for Chelsea, ruled out in September with groin and toe injuries.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia is out and defender Levi Colwill and Midfielder Dario Essugo are long-term injuries.
Chelsea v Arsenal predicted lineups
Chelsea starting XI: Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Cherella, Estocao, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Moise CapEro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neter, Pedro Neto
Arsenal starting XI: David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Wiero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Ebechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Mikel Meria, Viktor Gyokeres
How to watch Chelsea v Arsenal: TV channel, live streaming online
Kick-off on Sunday at 16:30 GMT (11:30 ET / 08:30 PT), with live coverage in the UK On Sky Sports Main event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
Now TV, sports and weather costs £14.99 a day, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month without a contract.
Sky Sports Linderhips includes access to all 12 Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports +, which offers live streaming and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a variety of devices with the Sky GO app.
