Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday evening. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won back-to-back league games and could move into the top-half with a win.
Despite their upturn in form, however, Chelsea are big underdogs ahead of this weekend’s London derby. The Blues have a poor home record and face the best travellers in the league. Arsenal haven’t dropped a point on the road this season while Chelsea haven’t scored in their last two at home.
Chelsea have come unstuck in past meetings
Pochettino will take hope from three consecutive wins in all competitions, but this is a big test. His men have yet to beat a top-half side this season and have an injury list into double figures. Unbeaten Arsenal should be at full strength and are chasing a fourth win at the Bridge in two years.
Chelsea are 11th in the league with 11 points from eight games but beat Fulham and Burnley before the international break to arrest the slide. Pochettino’s men have only four points from as many home games, however, so their own backyard is their Achilles heel.
The Blues have a woeful head-to-head record against Arsenal too, losing six of their last seven meetings. They’ve lost their last three home clashes with the Gunners and had the double done over them last season.
Can Pochettino’s men overcome their Arsenal curse?
As for Arsenal, Arteta’s men are joint-top on points but second on goal scored. They’ve yet to lose a game and boast a 100% record away from home without conceding, so they’re no slouches. Arsenal have made it a habit of beating Chelsea, but they’re facing a better side than in May.
The Gunners made light work of Chelsea months ago by going 3-0 at half-time, but Saturday’s clash should be closer. Both sides have different targets this season, but they’re both playing for pride in the London derby.
