Chelsea–Arsenal

Chelsea host rivals Arsenal in the decisive top match of the round. We are writing on November 30, and the two enemies hold second and first place respectively in this year's edition of the world's toughest league. Chelsea are playing better than in many a season, and that without talisman Cole Palmer on the grass. Icy Palmer sprained his toe on the coffee table, and with it extended his injury layoff. These footballers are not always the sharpest knives. Sharp are the set-piece specialists Arsenal. Is this a slightly negatively charged word? Set-piece specialists? Anyway, Arsenal know what they are doing. Powerful across the board, and at the top both in their domestic league as well as on the continent. Without a doubt the team to beat this autumn. Not that many are up to that task.

Chelsea – Pot tight, with new goal guarantors

For Chelsea have taken a few steps in the right direction. From being a team that was hovering around qualification for the Champions League, to becoming a real contender. We have mentioned the midfield several times, and the quality here in particular spreads both forward and backward on the pitch. In the Attacking Line there are also new players, and several of these have shown that the Royal Blues can face exciting times. Neto and Estêvâo are pure class. The latter has really reached top speed, and both Chelsea fans and Brazilians dream that this is the man who will shoot them to the top. 18 years old and completely fearless. A new jewel in the making?

Chelsea are not as dependent on Palmer as one might have thought. It is scary for the other Premier League teams, however, because here they can have many strings to play on going forward. Palmer stitching together the ball-dragging wings and the strong midfield smells of gunpowder.

Chelsea are coming off three straight league defeats and a thrashing by Barcelona. Confidence should be draining from the home team.

Arsenal – The team that is impossible to beat

Because that seems to be the case now. Arsenal can't lose. The last loss came against Liverpool on August 31. Yes, you read that right, they haven't lost a football match in three months. 16 matches have been played since then. 14 of those have been won. Numbers like that win titles.

And that's exactly what this season is about. The team that "never" wins anything is in a very strong position, and they seem almost untouchable at times. Bayern had no chance this week, no matter how much Kane you have in the team. Arteta can write his name with a golden pen next spring, if only they can keep up the pace. Arsenal have been here before and failed, but something tells me this season will be different.

What is different is how they attack the games. The white and reds are cynical and controlling, and some really tough guys to face in a match. Dead balls have become their trademark, and they spend both time and energy making the most of every opportunity. Boring, of course, some may think, but I think everyone with a heart in the club would accept it if it led to silverware.

Ødegaard back, Gabriel out. In addition, both the Swede, the German and the Belgian are uncertain cards at the top. The first two have been injured for a while, especially Havertz, while Trossard limped off in midweek. There are chances of some welcome reunions for Arteta in the upcoming games.

Conclusion – Two good teams meet on Sunday

Because these are currently the two best teams in English football. Well, if we don't include Coventry then. The home team wants to continue their fine form, while Arsenal will be on the defensive again, as they usually are. With Gabriel out, it can of course be a bit more challenging to contain the foot-stomping types in blue.

With all the goals these two teams have scored, and the fact that Chelsea are playing at home, we think we will get some solid contributions from both sides. Not sure it will be a complete success, but this is a game where Chelsea just have to show what they can do this season. Arsenal will be selling themselves hard, and we won't fall off the couch if they once again plant a set piece in the net. Goals both ways, and maybe two teams who say they are quite happy with a point split in the end?

England at 17:30: Chelsea – Arsenal: Both teams to score (1.77)

Alternative game

England at 17:30: Chelsea – Arsenal: Draw (3.20)