The Premier League’s 11th gameweek builds up to a major showdown on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea hosts Arsenal in a highly anticipated London derby.

Enzo Maresca’s squad currently edges Arsenal out of the Champions League places due to a stronger goal difference, bolstered by Chelsea’s dominant attacking display in midweek. Hosting Armenian side FC Noah, Chelsea handed them an overwhelming 8-0 defeat, marking their third consecutive Conference League win and solidifying their position at the top of the group.From humbling opponents to near disaster, the Blues relied on Moises Caicedo’s brilliance to salvage a point against Manchester United last weekend after a Bruno Fernandes penalty initially put United in the lead. Now, fourth-placed Chelsea, tied on 18 points with Arsenal and Aston Villa, could break into the top three if results swing in their favor. Their eight-game unbeaten streak at home is at stake, though their Premier League clean sheet drought at Stamford Bridge — dating back to May — remains troubling.Meanwhile, Arsenal’s offense has stalled in November, enduring 1-0 losses at both St James’ Park and San Siro. Following a pinpoint header by Alexander Isak for Newcastle, it was a disputed Hakan Calhanoglu penalty that handed Arsenal their first Champions League defeat of the season. Despite a staggering 46 crosses attempted in Milan, none connected, deepening Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal.

The Gunners have also faced other setbacks, including the abrupt resignation of sporting director Edu and a three-game Premier League winless streak that has left them in fifth place, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. Still, Arsenal hasn’t suffered three consecutive away losses without scoring since the 1994-95 season and has excelled in recent London derbies, winning six straight with an aggregate score of 22-3. This run includes a 5-0 rout over Chelsea last season, although their last visit to Stamford Bridge ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Arsenal remains unbeaten in their last five trips to Chelsea’s home ground.Chelsea’s midweek lineup featured 11 changes, with key player Cole Palmer absent from the squad. Maresca hopes Palmer, now called up to the England squad, can return to action against Arsenal, while Jadon Sancho’s availability is uncertain due to illness and a minor injury. Omari Kellyman (hamstring) remains out, but both Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix made their cases to start with braces in Chelsea’s recent thrashing of Noah.For Arsenal, Declan Rice, once a prospect in Chelsea’s academy, faces a battle to overcome a foot injury that may be a broken toe. Martin Odegaard, however, made a midweek comeback from an ankle issue and could start, bringing a much-needed creative spark to Arsenal’s lineup. Kai Havertz awaits medical clearance after a head clash with Inter’s Yann Bisseck, while Riccardo Calafiori (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) won’t return until after the international break. Raheem Sterling is also ineligible to play against his parent club.

Arsenal’s attack has misfired in recent matches, but Odegaard’s return could help them unlock Chelsea’s inconsistent defense. If Chelsea isn’t at full strength, a draw might be a realistic outcome, which Maresca would likely accept in this tightly contested derby.

Best Tip: Over 1.5

Correct Score: 2-2