Arsenal Enter Derby on a Nine-Match Unbeaten Run
Chelsea legend John Terry believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka struggles when coming up against Marc Cucurella, suggesting the duel could play a decisive role in the outcome of the highly anticipated London derby at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal arrive at Stamford Bridge enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League and holding a six-point lead over third-placed Chelsea. Manchester City remain just four points behind the Gunners after their dramatic 3–2 win over Leeds on Saturday, maintaining pressure at the top of the table.
With three consecutive runner-up finishes behind them, Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged as strong favorites to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years. Arsenal also hold the best defensive record across Europe’s top five leagues, with their only league loss coming in a narrow 1–0 defeat to Liverpool back in August.
Arsenal and Chelsea Riding High in Europe
Arsenal’s confidence has been boosted further by their impressive midweek victory over Bayern Munich—a team they had failed to beat for more than a decade. Chelsea, meanwhile, produced a dominant performance against Barcelona in the Champions League just 24 hours earlier, a result that arrived at the perfect moment for Enzo Maresca’s improving squad.
Chelsea are also expected to welcome back Cole Palmer, who could play his first minutes since mid-September after recovering from injury. Terry praised Palmer’s return, calling it a “massive boost” for both the player and the club.
Terry: Manager Faces Big Decisions Ahead of Derby
Terry believes Maresca faces several key selection decisions following the impressive win over Barcelona. With options such as João Pedro, Liam Delap, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho, Terry expects tactical adjustments but trusts the manager’s recent choices.
The former Chelsea captain highlighted the midfield battle between Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice as a crucial factor that may determine which team gains early control of the game.
Cucurella vs. Saka: The Match-Up Terry Says to Watch
According to Terry, the 1v1 duel between Saka and Cucurella could give Chelsea a significant advantage.
“I’m not sure Saka likes the aggression from Cucurella,” Terry said. “But every Chelsea fan certainly does, so hopefully he brings that same intensity.”
Terry Urges Chelsea to Go Man-to-Man on Set-Pieces
Arsenal have become the Premier League’s most dangerous set-piece team under Arteta, and Terry believes Chelsea must be fully prepared. In a separate TikTok video, he encouraged Chelsea to defend man-to-man on corners to prevent Arsenal’s well-drilled routines from causing damage.
Terry emphasized giving each player clear responsibility, making physical contact early, and allowing the goalkeeper space to claim crosses.
He concluded by stressing Chelsea should also look to capitalize on their own set-pieces, insisting they “must make a real difference inside the opposition box.”
