Arsenal are set to host Chelsea in a blockbuster Premier League 2026/2027 matchday-three clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
The two English giants will face off in a London derby fixture having maintained a 100 percent record start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Teams’ Form And Recent Performances
Arsenal
Arsenal started the season as the reigning champions and in an impressive fashion following victories over newly-promoted Coventry City and Aston Villa in their first two matches of the new campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry 3-0 on the opening day with Kai Havertz scoring the first goal, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard completed the rout.
The Gunners proceeded with a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Villa. Saka once again put Arsenal to victory in the second half.
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The north-London side are just one of the two sides yet to concede so far with newly-promoted side, Hull City the other club yet to be breached.
They will now clash with Chelsea in their next outing as they seek to be one of the few sides with an unblemish start to the season.
Chelsea
Just like Arsenal, Chelsea also have won all their matches so far with Fulham, Luton Town and Brighton and Hove Albion put to the sword by the Blues, who are managed by former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid head coach, Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 in quite an entertaining fashion in their opener with Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and record-signing Morgan Rogers all on the scoresheet.
The Blues followed that up with a comprehensive 2-0 triumph over League One outfit Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round before a seven-goal thriller against Brighton.
Alonso subsequently became only the fourth manager to see his side score seven or more goals across his first two Premier League matches, after Sir Bobby Robson, Michael Laudrup and Marcelo Bielsa.
Head-To-Head Statistics
Arsenal and Chelsea have met in 212 matches across all competitions with the Gunners winning on 87 occasions while the Blues triumphed 64 times and 61 games ending in draws.
Chelsea have found it difficult against Arsenal in recent years with the west Londoners failing to win any of their last 11 matches against their arch-rivals.
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The last match between these sides ended 2-1 in favour of Arsenal. William Saliba opened the scoring for the Gunners before Chelsea restored parity courtesy of Piero Hincapie’s own goal before Jurrien Timber scored what proved to be the winner in the second half.
Before that, Arsenal beat Chelsea home and away in the Carabao Cup semi-final. A 3-2 win away at the Stamford Bridge was followed by a 1-0 victory at the Emirates.
Key Players Analysis
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka
Saka has been one of Arsenal’s standout players in their Premier League defence campaign as he has already scored two goals in as many games.
The 24-year-old is a dynamic, high-and-wide right winger known for his elite one-one-one dribbling, precise crossing and tactical intelligence.
Saka, who has two goals and four assists against Chelsea will be seeking to stake more claim in Arteta’s starting eleven having had to compete with Noni Madueke for minutes.
Riccardo Calafiori
With three competitive games so far, including the Community Shield victory over Manchester City, Calafiori has already equalled his best tally, attacking wise, in an Arsenal shirt since he made his debut in 2024/25.
The Italy international has three assists to his name this season and is known for his ability to invert into midfield, break opposition lines with progressive carries, and contribute heavily to the attack.
He has also been solid at the back for the Gunners as they are yet to concede in any match so far this season.
Chelsea
Joao Pedro
Pedro is a versatile, technically gifted forward, who thrives as a second striker, a creative number 10, or an inverted winger.
The Brazilian has two goals and as many assists so far this season and he will be looking to add to his tally away at Arsenal, who he already netted two goals against.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has notched two goals and an assist in the two games he has played winning the Player of the Match award in the Blues’ opener.
The 24-year-old plays as an attacking midfielder or wide playmaker, who excels at controlling the tempo in tight half-spaces with a keen eye for goals.
Team News
Arsenal
Arteta will be without two defensive starters for this game. Timber and Saliba, who were both on the scoresheet the last time the two teams met have both been ruled out due to injuries, necessitating defensive changes.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off injured on Monday night with new signing Ezri Konsa taking his place for the remainder of the match at Villa Park. The former Villa defender is expected to slot straight into the starting lineup against Chelsea.
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Havertz has started all games upfront and is poised to do so again this Sunday against Chelsea with Christian Tzolis, who was substituted off at half-time in the last match, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka are set to play behind the Germany international.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s Alonso is concerned about a lengthy injury list. Jordan Henderson, Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo are all out due to injuries, with no suspensions currently recorded.
The absences in central midfield are especially significant, given the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City on deadline day with no replacement signed.
Alonso is expected to start Reece James, having placed him on the bench last weekend with Pedro Neto given the nod. The front three of Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are expected to retain their places in this encounter.
Possible Starting XI
Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
Chelsea (3-4-2-1):
Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Pedro
By Habeeb Kuranga
