Arsenal took on Bayern, unbeaten in the Champions League so far this season, on Wednesday night and tomorrow they will play another game, this time at home. On the agenda is the London derby, in which the Mikel Arteta's are coming to Stamford Bridge. Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with a four-point lead over Manchester City, who beat newcomer Leeds in a dramatic game today. Chelsea currently, in the round of thirteen, are in third place with a six-point deficit to their city rival. The importance of Sunday's derby is probably not worth arguing about. It is an extremely important match for both teams, who are presenting themselves in the best possible light after the national break. There's more than enough to discuss today, so let's get on with it.
Form
Given the recent national break, which was thankfully the last one this year, I can't discuss the current form in full detail, but I'll still try to get some advice. Both teams only managed to play two games after the break. Once in the Premier League and the other in the Champions League. As well as taking a quick look at both games, I'll also look at longer term form.
Arsenal
The Arsenal players had a tough return after the national team reunions, North London derby against arch rivals Tottenham. Mikel Arteta's charges, with the thunderous support of a hopelessly sold-out Emirates Stadium, handled their opponents without any major problems. won 4:1. Eberechi Eze scored a symbolic hat-trick. Why symbolic? Because if it wasn't for the famous phone call between Eze and Arteta, the English midfielder might have been on the other side of the barricade in the North London derby.
However, Mikel Aretha's charges could not celebrate the victory against Tottenham for too long. They had a week of Champions League match against a rampant Bayern. The battle for the top spot in the table was better managed by the home team Arsenal, who thanks to a great performance in the second half managed to win 3:1.
I'll move straight on to the long-term form of the north London footballers, which is best described by the table position. The Gunners are first in the domestic competition four points ahead of Manchester City and six points ahead of Chelsea. If Arsenal win tomorrow's game, they can leapfrog their pursuers to an even bigger points difference. Otherwise, Arsenal's London rivals will close to just three points. Logically, the Cityzens would be the most pleased with a points split. In the Champions League, Arsenal's victory over Bayern became independent at the head. In addition, the Gunners are the only team with a 100% record in the competition.
Arsenal's form, both in the short and longer term, is really impressive.
Chelsea
Although Chelsea had a slightly more favourable draw than Arsenal, she also returned in style after the national break. In the domestic competition, Chelsea headed to Turf Moor, where they fulfilled their duty and beat newcomer Burnley comfortably 2-0. Enzo Marseca and his team had a much more difficult task in the Champions League, Chelsea hosted Catalan Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. Perhaps even the Blues' biggest fans didn't believe the match would end in a total a clear Chelsea victory 3:0. Sure, the game was affected by the red card Ronald Araujo received before half-time, but that doesn't detract from the solid performance of the home team.
I've discussed the Blues' position a few lines above, so I won't repeat myself and move straight on to their Champions League table position. After five rounds played Chelsea have 10 points from three wins and a draw. So far, only Bayern is the only German team to beat Chelsea in the millionaire competition. Overall, it's a solid record that keeps the club from the capital in the top eight, specifically in 7th place.
Overall, I have to admit that Chelsea's form this season fairly consistent and very decent.
Team and expected line-up
Mikel Arteta didn't shuffle the lineup much in Wednesday's Champions League game and no significant changes can be expected this time either. I think we will see a very similar, but not the same, line-up as in the North London derby. The Spanish manager may well have to make some forced changes. So let's move on together to the individual positions and then the composition of the substitutes' bench.
David Raya
Between the three poles, the Spanish manager will certainly not change anything, and so his compatriot will not be missing in the starting line-up David Raya. There is not much to discuss here.
Jurriën Timber
I must admit I was surprised when Jurriën Timber started against Bayern Munich from the first minute. But not from the point of view of quality, but from the point of view of rest. In my opinion, the Dutch defender is one of the best full-backs in the world of football this season, but even players like that need rest. Even more so when Ben White, another very solid defender, has his back on the bench. Anyway, to get to the game at Stamford Bridge. I don't think Mikel Arteta plans to leave Timber among the substitutes in a game like this. The Dutch international will not be missing in the starting line-up against Chelsea.
William Saliba
Another permanent fixture in the Arsenal line-up is William Saliba. The French defender is also expected to be part of the Spanish manager's starting eleven as usual. The bigger question is which of his teammates will complement him in the centre of defence. Will it be Piero Hincapié or Cristhian Mosquera?
Piero Hincapié
Cristhian Mosquera appeared alongside William Saliba in Wednesday's Champions League game, and so the question arises as to how the Spanish manager will assemble his midfield pairing for the derby at Stamford Bridge. Personally, I'm leaning towards bringing back a left-footed Piero Hincapié, for whom the left-back position is a bit more natural than for Cristhian Mosquera.
Riccardo Calafiori
He will return to the starting lineup on the left side of the defense Riccardo Calafiori. In the match against Bayern, Myles Lewis-Skelly was preferred in the starting line-up as expected, so the Italian international should be in full condition for the important derby with Chelsea.
Martín Zubimendi
I write about it practically every week, or rather in every blog, and today I will have to repeat myself. To the Deuce Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice is always boldly signed by the good performances and results of the whole team. Although each of them has different strengths and is expected to do something different, together they give Arsenal's game the much needed calmness and quality. They take care of the smooth transition phase, disrupt the opponent's attacks, win balls, supply the offensive teammates with a lot of passes and last but not least, they can also assert themselves. Martín Zubimendi will be able to showcase his skills in the London derby against Chelsea because will be part of the starting eleven.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice In Wednesday's Champions League match against Bayern, undefeated so far this season, he once again proved his qualities to everyone and showed why he is so important to Arsenal's game. Simply put, the pitch is full of the England international. Rice himself even revealed in one of his post-match interviews that he is feeling great at the moment and that he is playing in the best form of his life. Declan Rice will definitely not be missing from Mikel Arteta's starting line-up at Stamford Bridge.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze or Martin Ødegaard? A question that will be asked not only by every Arsenal fan, but especially by Mikel Arteta. The English footballer is in great shape at the moment. Furthermore, his start is also more likely due to the fact that Martin Ødegaard joined the team for the first time after a prolonged injury until the match against Bayern. If the Spanish manager will address, which of the pair to prefer, I think he'll go for Ezem. There is one more option, both of them will play in the starting line-up. Ødegaard at number 10 and Eze on the left wing. Although it's not outright unrealistic, I think Arteta will bet on Eze with the Norwegian footballer coming off the bench.
Bukayo Saka
In recent years, the at Arsenal became Bukayo Saka synonymous with right wing. Probably few can imagine that this English representative will sit on the bench. Sure, it will happen sometimes, but not in games like the one at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Starboy, as Sako is nicknamed by Arsenal fans, will lead his team into the derby against Chelsea as captain.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke had to start against Bayern earlier than originally planned on Wednesday, namely during the first half. Due to injury, Leandro Trossard had to withdraw and as they say in England - and the rest is history. The English winger finally returned to action after a long injury and scored his first goal for Arsenal. His 2-1 goal was also the winning goal. Now, with Leandro Trossard likely to miss the game, it is Noni Madueke probably the biggest favourite for the left wing position. He'll definitely be competing for a spot in the starting lineup. Gabriel Martinelli to strive as well, who also made his return from the sideline, but I suspect that Mikel Arteta will use from the first minute the English international, who was still in the opponent's camp last year.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino earned the nickname „emergency striker“ last season when he had to fill in at the top of the offensive line during a massive offensive turnover. Who would have said that after the summer transfer window by Arsenal, but Mikel Merino as a nine is back. The still untreated trio of Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, now joined by Leandro Trossard, gives the Spanish manager little choice. On the offensive end, we'll once again see the unpredictable fake nine of Mikel Merino.
Substitutes
The composition of the substitutes' bench this time remains shrouded in mystery. Mikel Arteta has traditionally been vague about the status of some players, so in some cases I have no choice but to guess. In my opinion, the bench could be ready Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Martin Ødegaard, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Some of you may be surprised by the name Gabriel Jesus, but I just can't help it. Arsenal played a friendly behind closed doors on Thursday, which also involved the Brazilian striker. He has been training with the team since the beginning of November and his comeback is imminent.
If they do end up missing Leandro Trossard, who had to withdraw due to injury during the first half against Bayern and Viktor Gyökeres, I honestly think we'll find Gabriel Jesus among the replacements. Regarding the state of not only the Swedish striker, but also the state of Kai Havertz The Spanish manager didn't reveal much at the pre-match press conference. The only thing that came out of his mouth was that it was probably too soon for both of them, but that they were very close to returning. Finally, he added that his charges will still have to train on Saturday before the derby at Stamford Bridge, after which he will be wiser. We all have no choice but to wait and be surprised. In the absence of all strikers and Leandro Trossard, the roster for the Chelsea game would be completed by a young talent Max Dowman.
Who will definitely not be involved in the Chelsea derby is the defender Gabriel. The extent of his injury has not yet been confirmed by the club, but according to initial reports in the media and on social media, the Brazilian stopper should miss a month or two. Let's hope that this will be the more positive prediction.
About the opponent
Since the Italian manager took charge of Chelsea Enzo Maresca, the club is rocketing up. The squad that Chelsea has is really full of great footballers and combined with the Italian manager's handwriting Chelsea are slowly but surely becoming one of the best teams in Europe again. After a period when the Blues were not doing well for a long time, this is certainly a nice change for Chelsea fans and an interesting promise for the future. However, in my opinion, Chelsea still lacks something to rise to the top of English or European football. In short, this is not a team that can overpower all competition and quietly walk away with all the trophies. Not to be misunderstood, Chelsea has the squad to compete with virtually anyone, but I don't think it's at the stage where it's so consistent that it can continue its top performances all season.
Now to the squad itself, which is one big name next to another. Reece James, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, João Pedro...and I could go on and on. But there's one more player I'd like to make special mention of. The phenomenon of the last few weeks, not only at Stamford Bridge, is still only 18 years old. Estêvão. The Brazilian winger is astonishing the football world with his skills and I have to admit that from what I have seen, he is really an extremely talented player with huge potential. We will see how his career develops, but I dare say that Enzo Maresca has a real gem in his hands.
Arsenal footprint
Arsenal Footprint Subchapter I have to turn a hundred and eighty degrees today. Because there are no players with Arsenal history in the Chelsea squad (apart from Raheem Sterling., who was a guest in north London last year from Chelsea), but on the contrary, Arsenal's roster includes players who have previously worn the Chelsea jersey. There are currently two such players in Mikel Arteta's team, but we would find many more in recent history. Coincidentally, both players headed to the Emirates Stadium this summer. One of them is goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and the other is an offensive all-rounder Noni Madueke. He also has experience of working for a team from the blue part of London. Declan Rice, who played for Chelsea in the youth categories until he was 14. Until Chelsea let him go. That's a lot of bearded history.
Match
I'm a little worried that the importance of the game means that the London derby will become more of a tactical battle than a football advert. However, given the form and recent performances of both teams, it could be an attractive game to watch. Perhaps one like the one we saw on Wednesday at the Emirates Stadium between Arsenal and Bayern. Also, tomorrow will be valid, that teams with great quality and solid form.
Chelsea will clearly play into the hands of the home environment of 40,000 at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal, on the other hand, will be able to lean on the psychological advantage of a points cushion, which is ahead of both second-placed Manchester City (four points) and Chelsea (six points). Whether the Blues players want to or not, they will surely have it in their heads that in the event of defeat, Arsenal can leapfrog them to a nine-point difference, which is not exactly small anymore. Both teams are on a very similar level in terms of quality and width of the squad, however. The Gunners look more compact and cohesive. After all, Mikel Arteta has been on the bench for much longer than his counterpart, and that has to show somewhere.
As for the match itself, I expect an evenly matched battle, with the game flowing from one side to the other. Arsenal, as the Premier League leader and a slightly more experienced team, should have at least a little more of the game. I believe the Gunners will make it through the London derby at Chelsea and take all three points back to Emitates Stadium. I predict Arsenal to win 2:1.
Next match
The Arsenal players won't rest for long after the Chelsea derby, as another English week awaits them. On Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 20:30 (CET) they will play Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in Premier League game, which is led by the unstoppable Igor Thiago. This weekend, on Saturday 6 December 2025 at 13:30 (CET), the Gunners will open the 15th round of the Premier League at Villa Park, where they will take on Aston Villa.
See you next time, I'll look forward to it!
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.