Arteta and Alonso set for first Premier League meeting as Arsenal host Chelsea

Arsenal are due to host Chelsea at Emirates Stadium in the Premier League, with both clubs reported to have won their opening two matches. The fixture will be the first English top-flight meeting between Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

Arteta and Alonso grew up together in Spain’s Basque Country and previously faced each other as managers in a 2024 friendly. Arteta said he welcomed the prospect of meeting his longtime friend while managing two of England’s leading clubs.

Chelsea’s early attacking form has included goals from Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Alonso is also overseeing a squad that has changed significantly during the transfer window, including Enzo Fernandez’s reported £125 million move to Manchester City.

Chelsea’s proposed move for Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara reportedly collapsed before the transfer window closed. Alonso said the club was ready to move forward and focus on building the squad, while Moises Caicedo remains a late fitness concern. Jordan Henderson and Marco Palestra are listed as absent.

Arsenal also have selection questions, with Cristhian Mosquera and Bruno Guimaraes reported to have missed training. William Saliba remains sidelined with a back problem, while Jurrien Timber has returned to training. Arsenal added Greece winger Christos Tzolis during the transfer window.

Al Jazeera reported that Opta gives Arsenal a 56 per cent chance of victory and Chelsea a 21 per cent chance. The match is expected to be the 216th meeting between the clubs, with Arsenal having won 87 encounters and Chelsea 66.