Premier League, Matchday 3 — Sunday 6 September 2026, 16:30 BST Emirates Stadium, London
Big picture
Two unbeaten teams, one huge derby. Arsenal and Chelsea both have max points from two games, and everyone already reckons these two will be fighting for the title all season. This is Arsenal’s first London derby of the year, and with Chelsea’s new boss Xabi Alonso building something scary, it feels bigger than a normal early-season game. At Suregoalpredict.com, this is exactly the kind of fixture we love breaking down two title contenders, no room for hiding.
Arsenal form
Arsenal have started perfectly. They smashed Coventry 3-0, then ground out a 1-0 win at Villa thanks to a Saka goal. Two games, two wins, zero goals conceded — and barely any shots let in either. They also battered Man City 3-0 in the Community Shield before the season even started.
The only worry is injuries. Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera both picked up knocks against Villa. Mosquera didn’t train this week, so Ezri Konsa’s replacement might be needed. Bruno Guimarães is a doubt to start too, and Jurrien Timber could be back in the squad after his groin problem.
Likely XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Martinelli; Havertz/Gyökeres
Chelsea form
Chelsea have kept pace with wins too, just messier ones. They beat Brighton 4-3 in a thriller Lavia, Neto, João Pedro and a late Cole Palmer goal did the damage after also winning their opener against Fulham. Alonso’s off to a perfect start as boss, and Chelsea also beat Luton in the cup.
But there’s a catch: Chelsea can score for fun, they just can’t stop conceding. Seven goals let in already this season. Against an Arsenal team that hasn’t been troubled once, that’s the big worry. Moises Caicedo is a fitness doubt after being subbed off vs Brighton, and Chelsea are also light in midfield since Enzo Fernández left for City.
Likely XI: Martínez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Acheampong, James/Lavia, Caicedo(?), Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; João Pedro
Head-to-head
Arsenal have the upper hand big time unbeaten in 11 straight against Chelsea (8 wins, 3 draws). They won 2-1 the last time these two met in March. Chelsea just don’t seem to have an answer for Arsenal, especially at the Emirates. It’s a stat our Suregoalpredict.com team always flags before this fixture history is firmly on the home side’s side.
Suregoalpredict.com prediction
Arsenal look the safer bet. Their defense has been rock solid, and Kai Havertz loves scoring against his old club. Chelsea will cause problems going forward. Palmer and João Pedro are dangerous but their defense is leaky enough that Arsenal should find a way through.
Suregoalpredict.com score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea.
Fancy a side bet? Both teams to score could be worth a look given how open Chelsea have been at the back. As always, check back at Suregoalpredict.com for the latest team news before you lock in a pick.
Team news could change before kickoff, especially Caicedo’s fitness worth a last check on matchday.
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