Kalou backs Arsenal to maintain unbeaten start against Chelsea

Arsenal have been tipped to come out on top when they host Chelsea in a major London derby on the third matchday of the Premier League.

Both sides have won their opening two league matches, meaning the winner at Emirates Stadium will have the chance to move clear at the top of the table. Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou believes Arsenal are better placed to claim the points, despite both clubs making perfect starts to the campaign.

Kalou, now 44, shared his assessment with Ivorian media outlet Ivoirezine. The former Cote d’Ivoire international said the fixture comes at an early stage of the season, with both squads still building match sharpness and continuing to develop their tactical organisation.

The former Blues player nevertheless highlighted Arsenal’s impressive opening results. The reigning champions have not conceded a goal in their first two matches, while Chelsea have also secured two victories but have shown more vulnerability at the back, allowing five goals.

Arsenal given the edge

Kalou has selected Arsenal as clear favourites for the meeting in north London. His view is based on the hosts’ consistency, defensive strength and their recent record in this fixture.

Arsenal have won four of the last five meetings with Chelsea, a run that adds to the former player’s belief that Mikel Arteta’s side should have the advantage. Their clean-sheet record at the start of the season has also been central to his assessment, particularly when compared with Chelsea’s defensive record.

The match offers an early opportunity for one of the two London clubs to establish itself as the outright league leader. Arsenal and Chelsea have each taken maximum points from their first two games, but the direct encounter means only one can remain perfect after the weekend.

Arsenal will meet Chelsea at Emirates Stadium in their third Premier League fixture of the season. The match has also attracted significant interest from bookmakers. One set of prices quoted for the derby gives Arsenal odds of 1.74 to win, while another listing gives the home side a price of 1.75.

A draw is priced at 3.94, with Chelsea listed at 5.28 to secure victory away from home. The figures reflect the assessment that Arsenal are the more likely winners, although Chelsea’s two wins from two mean they arrive with an equally unblemished league record.

Kalou’s prediction therefore rests on Arsenal’s defensive solidity, their early-season form and their recent dominance in the fixture. Chelsea will attempt to overturn that trend and prevent Arsenal from taking sole possession of first place, but the former Blues forward expects the home side to claim the advantage in the latest chapter of the London rivalry.