Premier League: Arsenal v Chelsea
At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on April 24, 2024, the Premier League will play a make-up match, and the "London Derby" will be played between Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal have performed very well this season, leading the Premier League table for most of the time, and are still in first place with 74 points, but it is worth noting that it has the same points as Liverpool behind them, and is only 1 point higher than Manchester City. Arsenal's recent form has been up and down, having been knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 win over Wolves in the last round saw them turn things around.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: "When I saw them this morning, I had to stop them because winning gives them energy. After the win against Wolves, it's time to play the London derby and everyone is ready. At this juncture, I shouldn't think about the number and level of the game. We have to think in a positive way, but something needs to be done about it. ”
Chelsea have been on a low start to the season and have had a sluggish first half of the league season, but since Mauricio Pochettino took over, the Blues have reborn from the ashes, finishing ninth in the table with 41 points after 31 league games, three points clear of Newcastle United in the European zone with a game in hand, which shows that the Blues still have a chance to qualify for next season's Europe. Chelsea's form has slipped recently, having previously been unbeaten in consecutive games before losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup last weekend and missing out on progression to the final.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said: 'Arsenal a few years ago, they were in a very different situation than they are now. But over time, with confidence and trust in Arteta, they have reached where they are today. It's a similar situation for us. We are confident that we will one day be able to reach the same level as Arsenal. We have a positive mentality and the most important thing in football is belief.
In terms of past meetings between the two teams, Arsenal have won 7 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses against Chelsea in the last 10 times, and the past record has a certain advantage, while the two sides drew 2-2 in the first leg this season. In terms of recent results, Arsenal have been playing two games a week recently, and the team's fitness has been limited, but fortunately, the squad is relatively intact, while Chelsea's recent form has declined, and the defeat in the FA Cup last time out has caused morale damage to the team. Judging from the current attitude of all parties, the performance is very ambiguous, combined with the strength and recent situation of both sides, it may be difficult for Arsenal to penetrate the index in this game.