Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Arsenal’s title charge was dealt a significant blow last week as they were handed an unsurprising but thrilling beating by Manchester City.

The Gunners are now 2nd in the league, knocked off top spot for the first time since mid-February, and must quickly rediscover their winning form if they are to have any chance of winning the league this season.

In truth, they are now unlikely to pip City to the league title, but if they can push their rivals close, that will at least be some consolation. They need to win their first game in five in order to do so.

As for Chelsea, their season has gone from awful to disastrous under Frank Lampard, the returning interim manager losing all five of his games in charge in all competitions.

The players look completely drained of confidence and motivation under a coach that has failed to lift spirits and performance levels. It could get even worse here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Arsenal FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Won five of their previous six meetings with Chelsea

     Claimed victory in a record nine of their 11 London derbies this weekend

Reasons to be fearful:

     William Saliba remains out injured

     The Gunners have conceded 13 goals in their last six

You feel that this could be the game where Arsenal turn their poor form around, with the club now needing to catch Manchester City at the top, rather than hold them off.

The Gunners have gone four games without victory, including that damaging defeat to City in midweek. In their other three games – all draws – they have conceded at least twice in all of them.

The injured William Saliba has been a big miss for Mikel Arteta, with his defence shipping goals with the sub-standard Rob Holding slotting in. He was powerless and clueless against City last week.

On the positive, their opponents couldn’t buy a win even if they tried. The Gunners have won five of their last six against the Blues and should have the energy and intensity to get past them here.

Star Man – Gabriel Martinelli

The Brazilian has enjoyed an exceptional season, scoring 15 goals – the joint-highest for a Brazilian player. His speed and directness are great qualities to have.

Chelsea FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     London derby should increase motivation levels

     Their last win in this fixture came at the Emirates

Reasons to be fearful

     Just one goal scored in their last seven games

     Lampard is winless in his last 15 matches as a manager with Everton and Chelsea

The decision to bring Frank Lampard back as interim manager looked strange at the time, but it has proven to be disastrous for Chelsea and its ownership team.

It’s rumoured that the permanent appointment of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is getting closer, and that can’t come soon enough for fans of the Blues.

Lampard is arguably not cut out for a managerial appointment in the Premier League, having struggled in two attempts at Chelsea and a dismal period at Everton.

Chelsea’s problem all season has been scoring goals. Only three teams have netted fewer goals than the Blues’ 30, and they have just one from their last seven matches.

It’ll take a huge effort to stop Arsenal.

Star Man – Ngolo Kante

Chelsea struggle so much to score and create goals, but with Kante in their midfield, they control the ball a lot better than they do without him. Any new manager will want to keep him in the squad.