On Sunday, November 30, Stamford Bridge will host what is shaping up to be one of the standout fixtures of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Chelsea vs Arsenal. The highly anticipated London derby is a game that could shift the momentum in the Premier League title race. Both teams arrive in strong form, and both managers know how much this result could mean heading into December.
The Gunners boosted their confidence earlier this week with a controlled UEFA Champions League win in the Arsenal vs Bayern Munich clash, the kind of performance that reinforces their status as genuine contenders.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been solid under Enzo Maresca, keeping close to the top of the table and showing more consistency than in previous seasons. They will also be coming off of a strong UCL result, having won the Chelsea vs Barcelona fixture.
The Chelsea vs Arsenal clash is not just another rivalry meeting. It’s a test of how ready each team is to fight for the biggest prizes.
Enzo Maresca vs Mikel Arteta
This is a meeting between two managers who value structure, control, and detail.
Enzo Maresca has brought a clear identity to Chelsea, with organised build-up play and strict positional roles. Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, has turned Arsenal into one of the most stable and tactically disciplined teams in Europe.
The battle on the touchline could define the rhythm of the match. Maresca must decide whether to push high and disrupt Arsenal’s early phases or stay compact and wait for transition moments. Arteta will look to manipulate Chelsea’s shape with rotations in midfield and quick switches of play.
Maresca’s most important agenda will be set-piece defending, given Arsenal’s strong suit – Of the 24 goals Arsenal has scored in the 2025/26 Premier League season so far, only 12 have come from open play.
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Enzo Fernandez vs Declan Rice
This battle brings together two central midfielders who are often misunderstood. Many comparisons focus on Rice vs Caicedo, even though Moises Caicedo is the only natural defensive midfielder among them. Enzo Fernandez and Rice both operate as central midfielders, and both have become more influential in the attacking phase this season.
Enzo has been key to Chelsea’s progression and chance creation, adding four goals and an assist in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. His forward passing and ability to unlock pressure make him Chelsea’s main link between midfield and attack.
Rice has also contributed with two goals and four assists this season, playing as more of a box-to-box midfielder for Arsenal. His power, ball-carrying, and timing when pushing forward give Arsenal a different dimension going into the final third.
It’s creativity versus drive, control versus power. Whoever wins this midfield duel will give their team the platform to dominate the Chelsea vs Arsenal match.
Liam Delap vs William Saliba
Liam Delap has earned his minutes through intensity and physicality. He presses aggressively, makes direct runs, and forces defenders into uncomfortable situations. But on Sunday, he faces one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
William Saliba rarely loses individual duels. His calmness, reading of the game, and strength make him a wall at the back for Arsenal. Delap will need to be sharp with his movement, because he won’t outmuscle Saliba easily.
For Chelsea to threaten, Delap must drag Arsenal’s defence into areas they don’t like. For Arsenal, keeping him quiet will be key to controlling the match.
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Estevao Willian vs Myles Lewis-Skelly
This is one of the most exciting battles of the Chelsea vs Arsenal match – two young talents who represent the next generation of the Premier League.
Estevao Willian has been electric for Chelsea since breaking into the team, having recently scored a stunning goal in the Chelsea vs Barcelona 3-0 victory.. His ability to beat markers, create overloads, and carry the ball at speed gives Chelsea a constant outlet.
Myles Lewis-Skelly, meanwhile, is fast, fearless, and tactically sharp. His athleticism helps Arsenal defend wide spaces, and he reads 1v1 situations remarkably well for his age.
Whoever wins this duel could dictate which side controls the flanks.
Robert Sanchez vs David Raya
Matches like this are often decided by the smallest details – and that includes goalkeeping.
Robert Sanchez has improved under Maresca, especially with the ball at his feet. His distribution will be crucial in helping Chelsea beat Arsenal’s press. David Raya remains Arsenal’s safer, calmer presence in goal, and his quick decisions in possession allow Arsenal to maintain their structure even under pressure.
One big save, one mistake, or one moment of hesitation could swing the Chelsea vs Arsenal match.
Not to mention, Sanchez does not trail far behind his fellow Spaniard in stats. Raya has the most clean sheets so far in the 2025/26 Premier League season, with seven, having conceded only six goals. Meanwhile, Sanchez has six clean sheets, and has conceded nine goals.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 25.11.2025
