Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has made a bold prediction for this weekend's colossal Premier League showdown, forecasting a 2-1 victory for the Blues against table-topping Arsenal.
Cahill's Confident Chelsea Prediction
The highly-anticipated London derby takes place at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with the result poised to have a major impact on the title race. Arsenal arrive at the fixture sitting top of the Premier League, with Chelsea close behind in second place. Despite the Gunners' formidable form, having lost just one of their opening 12 matches, Cahill is backing his old side to secure a crucial three points.
Cahill, who made 290 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, believes the team's monumental 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona will provide a massive confidence boost. He described the win as 'massive' and said it would leave the squad's morale 'sky-high' heading into the weekend.
The Stakes in the Premier League Title Race
This fixture represents a classic six-pointer. A win for Chelsea would close the gap on Arsenal to just three points, while a victory for the visitors would extend their lead to a formidable nine points. Cahill emphasised the significance of such high-pressure encounters, stating, "These are the games that you can’t lose if you want to go on and win a title."
He acknowledged Arsenal's impressive development, noting they have "improved year on year" and will feel this is their strongest chance to win the league. However, he pointed to Chelsea's tendency to perform against top-tier opposition as a key reason for his prediction. "Chelsea seem to turn up against the big teams," Cahill told Sky Bet. "I think they’ll relish this opportunity."
A Warning for Arsenal and Manchester City's Role
While focusing on the London derby, Cahill also issued a warning to Arsenal, reminding them that the reigning champions, Manchester City, are not out of the contention. Pep Guardiola's side, currently in third place and seven points behind Arsenal, face Leeds United this weekend.
"Manchester City can [still] challenge Arsenal for the title," Cahill added. "They’ve been there and done it and know exactly what it’s all about." He concluded that while Chelsea are going about their business quietly, Arsenal are currently doing everything required to be crowned champions.
