'Bazooka or a water pistol' - Pundits make Chelsea vs Arsenal predictions amid Cole Palmer doubt

Chelsea welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as they look to break into the top-four and close the gap to Manchester City after their defeat at Brighton.

The Blues currently sit fifth and Arsenal sixth but the teams are locked on 18 points. The visitors will be looking to bounce back from the two consecutive defeats to Newcastle United and Inter Milan.

Meanwhile, Chelsea demolished FC Noah 8-0 in the Europa Conference League after drawing 1-1 at Manchester United in the Premier League. Ahead of the game, Cole Palmer remains a doubt to after being on the receiving end of a poor and high challenge from Lisandro Martinez.

Maresca revealed that it was becoming touch and go whether he would be available for Arsenal. "He's better. He's getting better. If he can walk and have dinner, that doesn't mean he is completely fit. He's getting better. Hopefully we can have him for the session at least on Saturday and then we can take a decision," Maresca said.

With that in mind, here is how some of the game's leading pundits feel United will fare against the Foxes.

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Chris Sutton

Previewing the game for BBC Sport, Sutton said: "I don’t do this very often but my prediction here rests on whether one player is fit or not - Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Arsenal have a doubt over Declan Rice which is a worry for them, and Martin Odegaard will be rusty after returning from his layoff with a brief appearance against Inter Milan in midweek, but it is Palmer who holds the key.

"You are asking me to make a prediction and I don't know which gun I've got - a bazooka or a water pistol. Palmer has missed training this week after getting injured against Manchester United last weekend and Chelsea need him if they are going to win this.

"Even if Palmer is absent, I don’t think Arsenal will win. What worries me about them is what they do in the opposition box. They played well against Inter but they came up short in front of goal, and they certainly aren’t clicking in the final third."

Sutton's prediction: 2-1 if Palmer is in the Chelsea team. 1-1 if he isn't - final prediction will be made when the line-ups are announced before kick-off.

Alan Shearer

Speaking to The Metro, Shearer said: "Chelsea head into their match with Arsenal above the Gunners after 10 Premier League games, and though Arsenal have stumbled recently, it shows how well Enzo Maresca has done at Chelsea, especially when you include the chaotic nature at the club.

"The midfield is probably where this game with Arsenal will be won and lost. Rice and Partey against Caicedo and Lavia is a good battle because you’re talking about good midfielders that enjoy handling the ball.

"The game against Chelsea is a ‘must not get beat game’ for Arsenal. I don’t care who you are, the potential of sitting 10 points behind Liverpool is a lot at this level, and they can’t afford too many more defeats.

"There will be fireworks, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw a red card or two, but I’ll go for a draw on Sunday."

Mark Lawrenson

The former Match of the Day pundit told Paddy Power: "Arsenal will be disappointed with their results of late, especially with Man City struggling somewhat. Chelsea were well worth their point at Old Trafford, they looked a better team than Manchester United which isn’t saying a lot really.

I’m going to go for Arsenal because I think they might do a job on Chelsea. I’m still not convinced by Chelsea, they look a bit too easy to play against, but they are moving in the right direction."

Lawrenson's prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal.

Paul Merson

In his SportsKeeda column, Merson wrote: "This is a massive football match, especially because by the time it kicks off both Manchester City and Liverpool would have already played. Liverpool could go 10 points ahead, City could open up an eight point lead, if Arsenal lose to Chelsea. Arsenal got lucky last weekend after City also slipped up against Bournemouth. But they won't expect any such favours this weekend.

"It's a must-win game for Arsenal. If you are 10 and eight points behind Liverpool and City after this game week, you're done in the title race! I don't care if there are 27 games still left in the season, Liverpool and City are not losing that many games. Chelsea have lost all their big games this season and they are in desperate need of a win.

"If Arsenal close Chelsea down quickly, the Blues could be in trouble. I think William Saliba and Gabriel will enjoy that battle with Nicolas Jackson. It won't be as easy for Jackson as it was against Newcastle in Chelsea's last home game in the league.

"Arsenal win this game if Cole Palmer doesn't play, it's as simple as that. The only way Chelsea have a chance is if Palmer plays from the start. He is the heartbeat and he makes everything happen for Chelsea. I'm going for a draw here, big result for Chelsea but Arsenal will be out of the title race."

Merson's prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal.