Pundits back Arsenal to beat Chelsea in crucial London derby

Arsenal are widely tipped to overcome Chelsea in Sunday’s Premier League clash as leading pundits back Mikel Arteta’s side to continue their title charge.

The Gunners enter the fixture in high confidence following a comprehensive 4-1 thrashing of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

In contrast, Chelsea arrive at the Emirates Stadium seeking to solidify their push for Champions League qualification under manager Liam Rosenior.

History favors the hosts, with the Blues failing to record a victory in their last eight league meetings against Arsenal.

Wright anticipates emphatic scoreline

Ian Wright offered a damning assessment of the visitors’ chances ahead of the weekend.

The former Arsenal striker expects his old club to dominate proceedings against their cross-town neighbours.

“I’m going to go 3-1. We’re going to murder them,” Wright declared.

Chris Sutton agreed with that sentiment, suggesting the hosts possess too much experience for Rosenior’s men.

“Arsenal will have too much nous for them and I actually think they will win pretty comfortably,” Sutton said.

“I don’t see them, or anyone else, pushing Arsenal close in the title race.”

Defensive concerns for visitors

Paul Merson highlighted Chelsea’s defensive fragility as a key factor in his prediction.

The former midfielder believes the west Londoners will struggle to contain the Gunners’ attack.

“I expect Chelsea to be a threat, but I can’t see them keeping a clean sheet,” Merson noted.

Roy Keane also predicted a home win, warning that the visitors often lack discipline in major fixtures.

“They [Chelsea] will do something silly and get a man sent off again,” Keane claimed.

Team news and dissenting voices

Despite the gloomy predictions for the away side, former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill backed his old team to secure a 2-1 victory.

Meanwhile, Paul Scholes suggested the match could end in a stalemate or a surprise away win.

On the pitch, Arteta is hopeful teenage prospect Max Dowman could return to the squad.

However, German forward Kai Havertz faces a late fitness test to determine his availability.

For the visitors, captain Reece James is fit to play, but Marc Cucurella remains sidelined.

Midfielder Romeo Lavia played in a practice match this week and could feature for the Blues.