“No better time for them to play Arsenal” - Ray Parlour predicts result of ‘huge game’ between Chelsea and Arsenal

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour expects Chelsea and his former side to play out a draw in their upcoming top-of-the-table Premier League clash. The two sides are set to lock horns at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, November 30.

The Gunners have taken full advantage of Liverpool and Manchester City's struggles in recent weeks. They are currently at the top of the league standings with 29 points from 12 games, six points above second-placed Chelsea. Mikel Arteta and Co. will be keen on securing all three points to extend the gap to nine points as they seek to win their first title in 21 years.

Both sides will be full of confidence going into the fixture. Arsenal secured an impressive 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League group stage (November 26). Meanwhile, Chelsea emphatically defeated Barcelona 3-0 at home (November 25).

During an interview with AFTV, Parlour reckons this is the Gunners' most important game of the season to date:

“100% yes. It’s been a massive week. Confidence is super high in the squad and games are coming thick and fast. Arsenal will go into the game with confidence, but Chelsea have just beaten Barcelona, so no better time for them to play Arsenal as well. It’s a game I can see being a draw, but Arsenal will always look for a win and look to exploit any Chelsea weakness they can. It’s a huge game for sure, but one Arsenal will relish.”

He added:

“It’s going to be a brilliant game. Two teams not holding back, both going for the win and both having a lot of inform players. The battle in the middle of the park will be excellent with Rice and Caicedo. Saka v Curacella is always a strong battle. So depending on who plays, it’s going to be filled with top players at the top of their game looking to get their team a win. But for Arsenal, It’s a case of continuing to be physical, winning the battle, then playing the football to get a positive result. I’d take a draw.”

Both sides played out a 1-1 draw in their last encounter at Stamford Bridge last season (November 10, 2024).

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta provides Leandro Trossard injury update ahead of Chelsea clash

Mikel Arteta has revealed that there is a 'potential' chance Leandro Trossard could feature for Arsenal against Chelsea in their upcoming Premier League clash. The Belgium international is expected to undergo a late fitness test.

Trossard started for the Gunners during their mid-week win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. However, he was subbed off in the 38th minute after picking up a knock.

During the pre-match press conference, Arteta stated (via Arsenal's official website):

"There’s another test today, we have to see how he’s feeling. It doesn’t look much, so we still have a few hours and we’ll have to see. There’s a potential chance."

Trossard has recorded five goals and five assists in 16 appearances across competitions this season.