London Burns! Fiery Arsenal vs Chelsea Derby in English League

London is ablaze! All eyes will be on the English capital as Arsenal hosts their city rivals Chelsea in the Premier League's 28th week match on Sunday, March 1, 2026. This London derby isn't just about prestige—it's also pivotal in the title race and European Qualification battle.

Arsenal still leads the provisional standings with 61 points, five points clear of their closest challengers, Manchester City. However, City has one game in hand.  

Mikel Arteta's squad needs victory to maintain their distance from City.  

Before last week's 4-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur's ground, Arsenal endured a string of draws, including being held 2-2 by bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The victory over Spurs boosts The Gunners' confidence as they host Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea remains stuck in fifth place with 45 points. The Blues lack Arsenal's momentum heading into this clash. 

They've only managed consecutive draws in their last two Premier League matches—a 2-2 stalemate against Leeds United and a 1-1 result versus Burnley. 

For Chelsea's New Manager, Liam Rosenior, this marks his third encounter with Mikel Arteta. The managers previously faced off in both legs of the Carabao Cup Semifinal.

In those matches, Arsenal eliminated Rosenior's Chelsea 3-2 and 1-0. The London Gunners advanced to the Carabao Cup final where they'll challenge Manchester City for the trophy.

Rosenior has moved past those two defeats, focusing squarely on winning this match.

"Naturally you're disappointed to lose a semifinal, but player availability was an issue. For the first leg, I'd only been at the club four days," Rosenior told Football London.

He acknowledged the difficulty of facing Arsenal.

"We know this will be an extremely tough match. But they also recognize it'll be difficult for them," he emphasized.

Premier League Schedule Matchweek 28

Beyond the London derby, this week's Premier League features other crucial matches in the title and European qualification chase.

Manchester City (56 points) visits Leeds United's ground. City's form is surging with three consecutive wins. Pep Guardiola's squad could extend that streak against Leeds. 

Third-placed Aston Villa (51 points) travels to Wolverhampton's home ground. 

Manchester United—with four wins from their last five matches—hosts Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Defending champions Liverpool will push for European qualification when they host West Ham United. 

The Reds have won their last two Premier League matches, while West Ham managed only two draws.

Full Premier League Schedule

Saturday (2/28)
03:00 Wolverhampton vs Aston Villa
19:30 Bournemouth vs Sunderland
22:00 Burnley vs Brentford
22:00 Liverpool vs West Ham United
22:00 Newcastle United vs Everton

Sunday (3/1)
00:30 Leeds United vs Manchester City
21:00 Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
21:00 Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur
21:00 Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
23:30 Arsenal vs Chelsea