Arsenal F.C. vs Chelsea F.C. Lineups: Confirmed 2026 XIs

Match Date: 01.03.2026 ·
Arsenal Formation: 4-2-3-1 ·
Chelsea Formation: 4-2-3-1 ·
Arsenal GK: David Raya ·
Key Arsenal Players: Saka, Rice, Saliba

Chelsea’s own goal and Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency defined the tactical battle at Emirates Stadium.

What are the Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC lineups today?

Both clubs named identical 4-2-3-1 formations for the North London Derby, though the evening would ultimately swing in Arsenal’s favour after Chelsea’s numerical disadvantage took hold.

Arsenal starting XI

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta deployed his strongest available XI against Chelsea, with David Raya between the posts and Bukayo Saka wearing the captain’s armband on the right flank. The confirmed starting lineup read: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka (c), Eze, Trossard; Gyökeres. Several absentees were unavailable before kickoff: Mikel Merino, Ben White, Kai Havertz, and Max Dowman did not feature.

Chelsea starting XI

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior also opted for a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Reece James captaining the side from right-back. The confirmed lineup: Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer; João Pedro. Pre-match absentees for Chelsea reportedly included Mykhaylo Mudryk, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, and Levi Colwill.

Substitutes

Chelsea’s official bench comprised Jorgensen, Acheampong, Gusto, Tosin, Badiashile, Lavia, Garnacho, Guiu, and Delap. Arsenal’s substitutes were confirmed as Trossard (off for Martinelli at 56′), Rice (off for Norgaard at 76′), Gyökeres (off for Havertz at 76′), and Gabriel (off for Mosquera at 75′) during the match.

What are the Arsenal vs Chelsea 2026 lineups?

The March 1, 2026 match represented the second encounter between the London rivals that season, following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea on February 3, 2026.

Predicted formations

Both teams confirmed as playing a 4-2-3-1 system at kickoff. Arsenal’s defensive solidity with Saliba and Gabriel at centre-back gave them an edge, while Chelsea’s attacking quartet of Palmer, Fernandez, Neto, and João Pedro tested the Arsenal backline throughout.

Key player changes

The lineups reflected several absentees for both clubs. Arsenal’s missing players meant a more conservative approach with Saka and Gyökeres leading the attack. Chelsea’s depleted squad depth showed as the match wore on, particularly after Hato’s dismissal forced a defensive reshuffle.

What is the Chelsea lineup today with photos vs Arsenal?

Official confirmation of Chelsea’s XI came from the club’s official website before kickoff, listing Sanchez; James (c), Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Palmer; João Pedro.

Formation diagram

The 4-2-3-1 shape positioned Reece James as captain and right-back, with Chalobah and Sarr forming the centre-back partnership. Caicedo and Andrey Santos anchored the midfield double pivot, while the attacking trio of Neto, Fernandez, and Palmer supported striker João Pedro.

The tactical setup highlighted Chelsea’s intent to dominate midfield, though their numerical disadvantage after the red card exposed structural weaknesses in the final third.

Where to watch Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC?

The match kicked off at 4:30pm GMT (16:30) on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Emirates Stadium, with an attendance of 60,296 spectators.

Streaming options

Premier League matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. International viewers can check regional broadcasters through the Premier League’s official platform.

TV channels

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League carried the match in the United Kingdom. US-based viewers could access coverage through NBC Sports platforms.

What are the Arsenal FC vs Chelsea FC stats?

The match statistics painted a picture of Chelsea controlling possession but Arsenal proving clinical from set pieces.

The numbers reveal Chelsea’s territorial dominance was ultimately fruitless against Arsenal’s ruthless efficiency from dead-ball situations.

Head-to-head

Before the March 1, 2026 encounter, Arsenal had beaten Chelsea 1-0 earlier that season on February 3. Historical matchups include memorable results such as Chelsea’s 7-0 victory over Arsenal from previous campaigns.

Recent form

Arsenal entered the match as Premier League leaders with a 19-7-3 record and 64 points, while Chelsea sat sixth with 12-9-7 and 45 points. The result extended Arsenal’s lead to five points over Manchester City.

Arsenal’s ability to convert from corners proved decisive, turning a midfield battle into a penalty-box battle that Chelsea could not win.

The alignment of both teams in identical formations created a direct tactical duel that Arsenal won through superior execution in key moments.

Chelsea’s substitutions came under pressure after going down to ten men, forcing a reactive approach to stem Arsenal’s momentum.

Summary

Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 1, 2026, showcased the Premier League leaders’ set-piece efficiency against a ten-man Chelsea side. Goals from Saliba and Timber, both from corners, proved decisive despite Chelsea’s 58.9% possession dominance. Arsenal extended their lead at the summit to five points over Manchester City while Chelsea must regroup to keep their European ambitions alive.

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Arsenal’s 2-1 derby triumph over Chelsea, driven by set-piece goals as covered in Vietnamese match recap, highlighted the effectiveness of their confirmed 4-2-3-1 lineup.

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