Arsenal host Chelsea in the first London derby between the rivals this season, with both teams holding a 100% winning record. Mikel Arteta's Gunners have won both Premier League games, beating newly-promoted Coventry 3-0 and securing a 1-0 win at Aston Villa. Chelsea, under new boss Xabi Alonso, have also started brightly with entertaining victories over Fulham (3-2) and Brighton (4-3).
Both sides sit on six points, and each manager will be eager to gain an advantage. Here, Mirror Football has examined seven pundits' predictions for the upcoming derby.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher Back Arsenal
Gary Neville believes Chelsea will pose more of a challenge but expects Arsenal to prevail. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, the ex-Manchester United star said: "I think Arsenal will realise Chelsea have better attacking players than Aston Villa so they’ll have to be alert and alive." He added: "I think Arsenal will win the game but it’s a really good test for them and a really good moment to see Chelsea in the early days of Xabi Alonso."
On the Stick to Football podcast, Neville predicted a 2-0 win for Arsenal. Jamie Carragher joined Neville in his prediction, saying: "I was thinking 2-0. Once they get two, they are happy with two and [will see out the game]."
Ian Wright and Jill Scott Confident in Gunners
Arsenal icon Ian Wright was confident his former team will win, saying: "I think we're winning. We're winning this. I think we'll win this game. 3-1 Arsenal." Former Lioness Jill Scott added: "I think there could be a lot of goals in this. I think Chelsea will score though."
Peter Crouch Predicts Chelsea Upset
Peter Crouch claimed he would be putting a "cat amongst the pigeons" with his choice of winner. On his That Peter Crouch Podcast, the former Tottenham striker praised Chelsea's attacking players, including Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto, but noted defensive concerns. He said: "I’m going to put the cat amongst the pigeons and I’m going to go for a 3-2 Chelsea win. I think they’ve announced themselves as title contenders."
Roy Keane and Chris Sutton Side with Arsenal
Roy Keane criticised Chelsea's signing of Emiliano Martinez, claiming the goalkeeper has been brought in a year too late to impact the squad. He said: "No, I don't know if that's a great signing for Chelsea. I know they needed it last year. I think I know he's a character and a personality. I give it to him."
Chris Sutton, writing in his BBC Sport column, said: "I suspect Chelsea will give Arsenal lots of the ball and try to counter-attack quickly." He added: "Arsenal are so powerful and the only question mark around them is if they are a forward or two short. Even so, you would not exactly say they have a real weakness anywhere." When asked for a scoreline, Sutton said: "3-1."
