This high-stakes encounter in west London could significantly influence the title race, with Arsenal entering the match at the summit of the league and Chelsea positioned in second. ..Continue Reading
Despite Arsenal suffering just one defeat in their 12 league games so far, former Blues centre-back Cahill is confident his old team can secure victory.
Chelsea trail Arsenal by six points, but Cahill believes the ‘massive’ 3-0 Champions League triumph over Barcelona will boost the team’s ‘sky-high’ confidence heading into the weekend.
‘I don’t think there is anything Chelsea will learn from facing Arsenal,’ Cahill, who made 290 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, told Sky Bet.
‘They’ll be fully aware of how good they are and the strength in depth they have.
‘Arsenal have improved year on year, and they will certainly feel that this is their strongest change to win the Premier League.
‘But Chelsea seem to turn up against the big teams, so I’m really looking forward to the game this weekend.
‘It will be a big marker from Chelsea if they were to get a result and these are the games that you can’t lose if you want to go on and win a title.
‘If Chelsea get three points, it’s a six-point game – these are the big pressure games and the games that you want to be in.
‘If they stay in and around Arsenal [in the table], they’re within a shout [to challenge for the title].
‘I think Chelsea will win 2-1 against Arsenal this weekend. I’ve got to back the boys, and they turn up against the big teams.
‘I think they’ll relish this opportunity and they’re coming off a massive win against Barcelona so confidence will be sky-high.’
In addition, Cahill cautioned Arsenal not to rule out Manchester City in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s men, who are set to play Leeds United this weekend, currently occupy third place, trailing Arsenal by seven points.
‘Manchester City can [still] challenge Arsenal for the title – they’ve been there and done it and know exactly what it’s all about,’ Cahill added.
‘They’ll always be in and around the top. Chelsea are also going about their business nice and quietly but at the moment.
‘Arsenal are doing everything they need to do and if they continue until the end of the season, they’ll win the league.’
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