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Former Manchester United star Robbie Savage has backed Arsenal to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their upcoming Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium later tonight (Tuesday, April 23).
The Gunners will look to extend their lead at the top of the league standings. They are currently placed first with 74 points from 33 games, ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino's men recently suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals. They are ninth with 47 points from 31 games, just three points shy of seventh-placed Manchester United, with a game in hand, for qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The Gunners have the statistical advantage over the Blues as they have lost just one of their last eight league games against them, winning five and drawing two. Savage expects them to make it nine as he wrote (via Planet Sport):
"A huge game in the title race for Arsenal. They take on Chelsea at the Emirates, 27 points between these two sides in the Premier League. Chelsea’s record against Arsenal has not been great, only one win in nine against Arsenal in all comps. I think Arsenal, home advantage will count. I think there will be goals. I’m going with an Arsenal 3-1 win."
Savage's Prediction: 3-1
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino provides update on Cole Palmer ahead of Arsenal fixture
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino provided a detailed update on Cole Palmer in the pre-match press conference. The England international is expected to miss the clash against the Gunners due to a bout of illness.
Palmer has arguably been the Blues's best player this season, settling into the squad well following his acquisition from Man City last summer. The 21-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Pochettino said (via Chelsea's official website):
"We need to assess tomorrow (Tuesday) morning but today I don’t believe he can be involved. We need to assess tomorrow and then decide. Even if he is feeling better tomorrow, maybe he is not in a condition to play. We hope he recovers from this situation and can be involved again as soon as possible."
He added:
"With or without Cole we always believe we can win. The most important thing is the team and the collective. He is an important part of the team and is doing fantastic for us, but we are Chelsea and we have plenty of players that can perform and do the job."
Pochettino also confirmed that Malo Gusto suffered a knee ligament injury in their FA Cup loss to Man City on Sunday.
