The Gunners could benefit from a potential absence of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who is battling illness ahead of the crucial clash.
Following Manchester City and Chelsea‘s FA Cup semifinal showdown over the weekend, Arsenal reclaimed the top spot with a hard-fought 2-0 triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard secured the victory, marking a rare occasion where Arsenal found the net without Bukayo Saka’s involvement, highlighting the team’s evolving attacking dynamics.
Liverpool’s win against Fulham leveled the points tally with Arsenal, but the Gunners maintain their lead on goal difference, with Manchester City lurking just a point behind with a game in hand.
Despite Chelsea’s modest ninth-place position, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains wary of their capabilities. Arteta acknowledged Chelsea’s underperformance in the league, emphasizing their ability to create chances and compete at a higher level. Chelsea’s expected goals metrics suggest they deserve a higher position in the table, reflecting their resilience and potential to challenge the top teams.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino faces uncertainty over Palmer’s availability, with the winger missing Monday’s training due to illness. Palmer’s absence could deal a significant blow to Chelsea’s attacking prowess, particularly after his stellar performance in the recent 6-0 victory over Everton, where he equaled Erling Haaland’s tally at the top of the Premier League scoring charts.
Pochettino expressed cautious optimism about Palmer’s involvement, indicating a decision would be made after assessing his condition on Tuesday morning. Palmer’s sensational form in recent weeks underscores his importance to Chelsea’s ambitions, making his potential absence a cause for concern.
As Arsenal brace for a pivotal clash against Chelsea, both teams are acutely aware of the stakes involved. With the title race intensifying and every point crucial, Tuesday’s London derby promises to be a compelling encounter with significant implications for the season’s outcome.
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