Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has predicted Arsenal will drop more points in their upcoming Premier League meeting with Chelsea. Sutton, however, is unsure how many points they will drop, as difference-maker Cole Palmer is a doubt for the game.
London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal will renew hostilities when they meet at Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 11 of the 2024-25 Premier League season on Sunday, November 10. The Gunners have been going through a rough patch lately, having lost their last two games in all competitions. Last weekend, they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United before suffering another 1-0 loss in midweek, this time against Inter Milan at San Siro.
Chelsea, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Manchester United last weekend in the Premier League and claimed a thumping 8-0 win over Noah in their midweek UEFA Europa Conference League clash.
Chris Sutton Says Cole Palmer’s Availability Will Determine How Many Points Arsenal Will Drop Against Chelsea
Sutton believes Arsenal will drop more points against Chelsea, but the outcome hinges on Palmer, who has not participated in team training since picking up a knock against Manchester United last weekend.
Cole Palmer moving freely at Stamford Bridge amid injury fears 👀 #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/apkdkU4PWa
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) November 7, 2024
In his BBC column, the former Chelsea man wrote:
“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.”
He added:
“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 does not make it.
Considering how well Palmer has played this season, Sutton’s conditional prediction is hardly a surprise. The England international has featured in 12 games for the Blues in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.
