Chelsea v Arsenal
Premier League | Stamford Bridge
Saturday, 21 October 2023 @ 5.30pm
Two of the Premier League's meanest defences go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, when Arsenal visit Chelsea.
No teams have conceded fewer goals than Arsenal to date: the away side have let in just six goals in eight games.
The Blues have conceded seven goals in eight games, giving them the joint-third tightest back line so far this season.
Key to the Gunners's home form has been Aaron Ramsdale, who has allowed one goal past him per 90 minutes, compared to 0.75 for Robert Sánchez in the opposite net.
Arsenal are top of the table after eight games, of which they have won six and drawn two, earning 20 points.
Chelsea are 10 places behind the Gunners in 11th, with three wins and two draws putting them on 11 points.
The Blues' Malo Gusto is among the league's most creative players, racking up two assists in six appearances so far this season, and holding 14th spot in the Premier League's assist charts.
For the visitors, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Fábio Vieira have set up the most goals, having laid on two assists apiece to date.
In the last 10 years, Chelsea and Arsenal have played each other on 29 occasions. Chelsea won 10 of them, Arsenal 11, and they drew eight times.
On average, the Blues scored 1.4 goals and the Gunners 1.2 in those matches.
Their last meeting was on May 2, when Arsenal won 3-1 at home.
The home team are in mixed form in the Premier League, with three wins and a draw from their last six games.
With four wins and two draws over that period, Arsenal's form is better – they have taken 14 points from 18, compared to Chelsea's 10.
Chelsea's last match was on October 7, a 4-1 win against Burnley, with Ameen Al Dakhil (own goal), Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling getting the goals for the Blues.
Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 last time out, on October 8, with Martinelli Silva on the scoresheet.
Saturday's match will be refereed by Chris Kavanagh, who has taken charge of two Premier League games so far this season, issuing no red cards and booking seven players. He has awarded one penalty.
He is yet to oversee a match featuring either Chelsea or Arsenal this season.